Salem-News.com Colombia articles

Biodiesel Fuels Displacement in Colombia

"Biofuels have become 'very in vogue' these days" - World Bank Latin America Development report, 2008

(SALEM, Ore.) - Biofuels are divided into biodiesel (plant-based oil), and ethanol (plant-based alcohol). The number one source of biodiesel is African palm oil. Demand and production of biofuels are growing globally.

The U.S. government is taking steps to switch to biodiesel in national parks, public school districts, utility companies, NASA, USDA agencies, and all major branches of the U.S. military.

Miss Universe Outcome: An Unusual Pattern of Correlations (VIDEO)

Strange coincidences parallel world history.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Maybe I am a little slow at the draw here, but strange ironies and coincidences in this week's contest for the most appreciated woman in the world.

First, there is the strange correlation with our nation's serious military dilemma in Iraq, and the Miss USA competitor's inability to stay on their feet. The Iraq War is called by many red blooded Americans nothing but "a repeat of Vietnam" because like the war in SE Asia, it seems fairly unwinnable and a draw at best.

Rescue of Ingrid Betancourt From FARC May be Among Most Daring in History

Independence day has its own reality for several people freed last week from Colombian guerrillas.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Sometimes life is as awesome as it is tragic, and that is no easy competition in this day and age. Last week's surprise rescue of Ingrid Betancourt from FARC, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, shows that even a highly remote long-shot can be reality and that people are brave, very brave, in their willingness to help an innocent person regain their freedom.

Betancourt is a 46-year old French-Colombian politician, former senator and anti-corruption activist, who was kidnapped by the FARC on February 23rd 2002 while campaigning for the presidency.

FARC has held several hundred people hostage over the years, as bargaining chips for their political maneuvering.

Supporters Gave 8 Times More To House Members Voting Yes on H. Res. 1092, Resolution

Supporters Gave Average of $6,000 to Each Member on House Committee on Rules Voting Yes.

(BERKELEY, Calif.) - The House voted 224-Yes to 195-No to remove a rule that would force a vote on the US-Colombia trade agreement within 60 legislative days.

"Organized labor and human rights groups in the U.S. have generally opposed the Colombia deal because of the problems of labor leaders in the South American country. Business groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have actively lobbied for the deal, saying it will remove tariffs that impede American exports to the country," said The Associated Press.