Salem-News.com Politics articles

Give Shelter to Those Seeking Refuge

We need to stand for border communities and vulnerable migrants seeking refuge

(SAN DIEGO, Calif.) - I was near the San Diego border crossing when I saw Border Patrol agents fire tear gas canisters and flash bang grenades into a crowd of migrants gathered nearby.

I saw a low-flying Customs and Border Protection helicopter use its rotors to push plumes of tear gas into a canal where many migrants had gathered. Even though I have been working to support and protect migrants and border communities for many years, I continue to be disturbed and horrified by these clear and egregious violations of people's dignity and human rights.

Fortieth Anniversary of Jonestown Tragedy

There isn't anything extraordinary about Jones’ power. It was pure politics.

(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) - November 2018 marks the fortieth anniversary of the mass murder and suicide of 918 in Jonestown, Guyana, by religious cult leader Jim Jones. About two-thirds of the victims were African-Americans.

Jones was the founder and leader of the Peoples Temple, established in 1971.

Truth and Reconciliation for Gender-based Offenses

Help chart a fair path forward in light of the #MeToo movement.

(BALTIMORE, Maryland) - I was very inspired by the bold New York Times piece “Eight Stories of Men’s Regret,” published in response to the polarized debate over now-Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation.

Not only is it brave to confess one’s past transgressions, but it is also necessary for accountability, which is the missing link of #MeToo.

On the Kavanaugh Nomination

In short, Kavanaugh lost his cool.

(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) - My wife and I along with many Americans watched with fascination Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh testify before the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Dr. Ford’s testimony was courageous, and entirely credible. Especially compelling was when she said that the strongest memory she has of the alleged sexual assault by Kavanaugh is of him and his friend laughing at her expense.

Merkley Asks Courts to Halt Kavanaugh Confirmation Process

Merkley files lawsuit alleging Executive Branch obstruction on key documents violates the separation of powers

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The Trump Administration’s actions to withhold substantial parts of Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s record are alleged to have violated the constitutional separation of powers and hindered Senators from fulfilling their constitutional duty of advice and consent on the President’s nominee to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Merkley’s suit asks the courts to intervene to prevent the process from continuing until Kavanaugh’s full record is available for public scrutiny.

Open Letter to Pope Francis About Sexual Abuse in the Church

I am standing in solidarity with the victims in Pennsylvania.

(DALLAS/FORT WORTH) - The thousands of voices raised is only a small fraction of what I am guessing are the MILLIONS who have suffered this fate, yet remain quiet for personal reasons or out of shame. Wearing robes, burning incense, genuflecting and absolving people of sins does not make it "open season" on gentle young souls trying to create a spiritual connection with God.

It is not ok, was not ok, and never will be ok for the strong to take advantage of the humble.

Bangladesh: Release Mr. Shahidul Alam Immediately from Arbitrary Detention

An open letter to the Honourable Ambassadors of Bangladesh

(UNITED KINGDOM) - I am writing to voice my deep concern about the arbitrary arrest of an award-winning photographer, academic and human rights defender Shahidul Alam.

I have been informed... about the arbitrary detention and torture of Mr. Shahidul Alam, photographer and founder of the Drik photo agency and of the Pathshala South Asian Media Institute.

Global Warming is Real and Could Become Irreversible

Earth is noticeably hotter, the weather stormier and more extreme.

(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) - Empirical evidence shows that global warming is real and is largely caused by man. This is not a theory; it is a fact. If someone tells you that this is not true, then they are lying or stupid or stand to make lots of money by ignoring it. By denying global warming, you have an excuse to do little or nothing about it.

Global warming is no longer about science; it is now a political, economic, social debate. In other words, what do we do about global warming?

A World Designed by Playground Bullies

One must go deeper than the nearest top story to really accept our democratic responsibilities

(SALEM, Ore.) - “According to the DOJ’s court filing, parents who are not currently in the U.S. may not be eligible for reunification with their children.”

I can’t quite move on with my life after reading a sentence like this. A gouge of incredulity lingers. How is such a cruelly stupid rule possible? What kind of long-term ramification will it have on the entirety of the human race?

Could Tough Love Salvage Lebanon?

Problems for Lebanon’s economy and political status continue to mount

(BEIRUT) - “You could qualify for U.S. and Western aid to salvage Lebanon or you can cede what’s left of your country’s sovereignty to Iran. But you cannot do both.” A US Congressional staffer after his boss recently introduced legislation to cut off all aid to Lebanon until it “cleans its house of Iranian militia and restores Lebanese sovereignty.”