Truck crash spills live salmon into wrong Oregon river. As shocking and comical as this headline may sound, the reality of the situation is a bit more complex. Picture this: a tanker truck, not carrying the typical cargo you’d expect, but instead over 100,000 live fish. It’s like a scene out of a Pixar movie, with fish making a daring escape into a river they weren’t meant for, much to the delight of any nearby bears eyeing a free meal.
Over 25,000 of the salmon smolts tragically perished either in the tanker or on the creek bank. It’s a shame to see so many of these fish meet such an unfortunate end, especially considering the effort that likely went into transporting them in the first place.… Continue reading
As an Oregon resident, I was hopeful when the state decided to decriminalize drug possession, with promises of providing additional resources for inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities. It seemed like a step in the right direction towards helping drug users get the assistance they need. However, the reality of the situation quickly revealed itself. The headlines now read of overdoses skyrocketing, and the promises of support for drug users falling short.
In 2020, opioids became the number one killer of Americans aged 19-45, surpassing even traffic accidents. The intent behind decriminalizing drug possession was noble, aiming to push drug users towards rehabilitation rather than jail or prison.… Continue reading
Living in Oregon and witnessing firsthand the effects of drug decriminalization under Measure 110, I am deeply conflicted by the recent bill passed by Oregon lawmakers to recriminalize drug possession. Initially, I supported Measure 110, believing that decriminalization with a focus on treatment for addicts would be the key to addressing the state’s drug crisis. However, as time passed, it became evident that the promised treatment facilities and resources never materialized, leaving addicts without the support they needed to recover.
The surge in overdose deaths following the implementation of Measure 110 was a stark reminder of the failures of the system.… Continue reading
Oregon leaders have recently declared a 90-day state of emergency in downtown Portland to address the fentanyl crisis that has crippled the city. As an Oregon native, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of this crisis and the failure of previous approaches to tackle the issue. It is a nightmare for everyone involved, and it’s disheartening to see the city I once loved falling apart.
The efforts to combat this crisis include two public health campaigns and increased outreach to get people into treatment, recovery, and housing services. While these initiatives are promising, I can’t help but wonder if they will be enough to make a significant impact.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker