THE STUMP

Oregon opinion articles, political commentary, cartoons and more

The longtime combatants in Oregon's timber wars understood that with dying mills, runaway unemployment and forests ripe for catastrophic fire, it was time to stop fighting. They hashed out their differences and agreed on a plan to save both forests and the timber industry. Now Oregon members of Congress and the Forest Service must join them to make it happen. Full story »

The report card on doctors ("How does your doctor stack up?" March 13) may arrive with some unintended consequences. Full story »

John Thomas Jr. writes: It seems I can't pick up a paper without seeing smiling faces of people who have spent some time planting trees. I guess the smiles are because they believe they have done the Earth some good.  Full story »

The recent announcement of plans to build 1,600 new homes in Jerusalem provoked criticism from Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. I am a Democrat, but when it comes to U.S. relations with Israel, I couldn't disagree more with their treatment of this longtime friend.  Full story »

Students learn about Ugandan rebels and the plight of children there and offer heartfelt reaction and impressive thoughts about the future.  Full story »

H. Gilbert Welch: The increase in fetal monitoring is part of the explanation for why the beginning of life now involves major surgery one-third of the time. And there is even more medical care at the end of life. Both trends drive up costs. Full story »

William F. Pewen: As health policy adviser to a Republican senator, I saw firsthand how a failure to recognize the magnitude of the task, and a toxic political environment, undermined the effort to achieve health care reform. Full story »

Derrick Z. Jackson: Despite NCAA claims of “monumental change” in the overall graduation rate of basketball players at Division I schools, the numbers at some of the top powers in the March Madness tournament suggest otherwise.  Full story »

Elizabeth Hovde:Almost as important as creating a more equitable system, the redesign could also have the benefit of strengthening neighborhood schools as the community gathering places they are meant to be. Full story »

Readers comment on issues of the day in 35 words or less. Full story »

We have all felt the brunt of the economic downturn. As a state, Oregon has been particularly hard hit. This downturn illustrates how our economy is fundamentally shifting. According to President Obama's Council of Economic Advisers, jobs that require higher educational credentials will grow much faster than other vocations.  Full story »

Welcome to The Oregonian's caption contest. Award-winning editorial cartoonist Jack Ohman draws a cartoon and you provide the caption. The winner takes home the original cartoon.  Full story »

The goal of a bipartisan reform bill should be to dial up or down the influx of workers to match U.S. needs  Full story »

They resettled here expecting to find jobs, but a dreadful economy and limited support have left them struggling to find a foothold in a new culture. Full story »

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