Salem-News.com Politics articles Page 9

Syrian War Winding Down - What`s Next?

If the war ended now it would take 10 to 15 years for Syria’s per capita GDP to return to pre-conflict levels.

(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) - Russia appears to be taking the central role in a major diplomatic push to finally end the seven-year civil war all but won by Assad with Russia's backing.

Syrian forces have reclaimed most of the country from Islamist militants and insurgents who had sought to topple Assad, including rebel groups backed by the U.S. and some of its allies.

Then There`s Only One Choice

The German author/playwright's work was deeply influenced by his service in the Wehrmacht, the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany.

(OLDENBURG, Germany) - This month marks the 70th anniversary of the death of Wolfgang Borchert, a young German writer who was seriously wounded in World War II then imprisoned for resistance activities.

Physically destroyed, he lived only two years after the war. During that time he wrote antiwar literature that is widely read in Germany but little known in the USA, where it is currently most needed.

Brief Summary of Alabama`s Special Election

Alabama's Republican Governor said she will vote for Moore despite the sexual allegations.

(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) - The Washington Post published a blockbuster investigative piece alleging that Roy Moore, the bigoted, right-wing extremist Republican candidate for Senate in Alabama, sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl while he was in his 30s and preyed on at least three other teenagers.

The age of consent in Alabama is sixteen.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower Warns of Military-Industrial Complex in Farewell Speech

Known as the "last great conservative Republican", Eisenhower gives advice to future generations.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jan 17, 1961

...In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.

Climate Change is Happening -- the Time to Act is Now

Climate change denial is a self-interested political decision, not a scientific one.

(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) - Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Jose collectively represent the most hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean, in terms of strength and size, in recorded history.

The National Hurricane Center scientist Eric Blake pointed out the three hurricanes are threatened land at the same time. Again, that’s never happened before.

Portland Police Bureau to Rescind Gang Designations and Purge the Database

About 300 names currently on the list will be purged.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Gang Designation Policy was implemented more than 20 years ago when gun and gang violence rates had escalated dramatically in the city.

Today, new processes and technologies allow police to investigate crimes in a manner that our community supports and that will not have the unintended consequences of potentially harming those who may need services and help the most.

Passing the Dream Act -- a long shot at best

Unless House Speaker Paul Ryan and Trump get behind the Dream Act, it probably won't pass now.

(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) - Trump has decided to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) over six months unless Congress steps in with its own plan for these childhood arrivals.

If Trump has a "great love for DACA recipients," he would have called on Congress to pass the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act or Dream Act, and if it did, promise to sign it into law.

Pulling Out of the Paris Climate Accord:
The Great Prevaricator Strikes Again

22 Republicans who have received millions of dollars from the oil, gas and coal industries urged the President to withdraw from the agreement.

(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) - In pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord, Trump presented some false numbers – notably that the Accord would result in the loss of 2.7 million U.S. jobs by 2025.

This is inaccurate because Trump does not take into account normal job rate loss and creation, jobs shifting towards more "green" sectors, and the tangible benefits of cleaner air, water, and less risk of natural disasters along U.S. coastlines.

Anti-Science Trumps Climate Change

A physicist named William Happer is the leading candidate for science adviser to the president. He considers climate scientists “like a cult", and has likened climate science to Nazism and ISIS.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - True to form, President Trump has pulled the US out of the Paris accord on climate change, joining Syria and Nicaragua as the only non-participating states.

He got an earful from the Europeans at the just-concluded G-7 meeting in Italy, but the US stood aside as the other six countries committed to fully carrying out the Paris agreement.

Trump`s Proposed Tax Plan in a Nutshell

The Trump plan eliminates the $4,000 exemption for each person in a household.

(SAN FRANCISCO) - On the eve of the election, Trump promised to "massively cut taxes for the middle class, the forgotten people, the forgotten men and women of this country, who built our country."

During a town hall meeting on NBC's Today show, he was asked if he believed in raising taxes on the wealthy. Trump replied, "I do, I do --including myself. I do."