I believe I was personally was keeping pace with this van for over 10 miles, exchanging lead down Hwy 26 from approximately Welches to just shy of Gresham. I never once saw anyone but the kid in the van. I had several good looks up close, though I suppose people could have been lying or sitting on the floor out of site.

WOW. I MAY HAVE BEEN THE ONE WHO CALLED THIS IN. I was returning from Mt. Hood with my 4 year-old son when I saw a white van driving erratically (inconsistent speed, nearly side-swiping the cable-median, then nearly back-ending vehicles on multiple occasions.) UNBELIEVABLY, I CALLED 911 and was "put on hold." After nearly 2 minutes - I CALLED BACK - and gave my statement with a degree of urgency. I sensed the 911 operator was NOT taking me seriously and URGED THEM to PLEASE get someone on this before someone was killed.

My 911 calls were placed at 4:02 and 4:04, some 36 minutes prior to the crash (according to the news report here). I gave a distinct description of the van, a license number and a description of the driver (whom I had encountered at close range some 10-15 minutes prior.). I am disappointed in myself for not following my instinct and calling sooner. But I am FURIOUS with the 911 Operator who seemed to dismiss my description of the situation as over-reaction (hopefully, that was NOT the case!).

I have never hesitated to call in suspicious drivers. Especially after hearing the sobering statistics about how most traffic fatalities involve D.U.I. It is always so sad to hear when some young, innocent life is shattered by some inconsiderate fool behind the wheel. The penalty for D.U.I. and distracted driving should be SEVERE in my book.

$1,500,000,000,000.00 (1.5 trillion)

÷ 311,963,674 [current U.S. population]

= $46,928 of debt per person

Factor in compound interest and you have a payment plan that spans generations.

What will this mean for the future of our country?

ONE THING TO REMEMBER....

The real power of terrorism is in it's ability to tear a society apart. Feelings of anger and outrage a terrorist strike can create within our culture has the potential to deteriorate our country from the inside out. This is just what the terrorist cults desire, I have read.

When things like this happen, I always ask myself, "Why is it these terrorist hate us so?" and "What can we (I) do to stop the hatred? I only hope our "War on Terror" includes a critical examination of ourselves.

I voted for Obama as he seemed the most likely candidate for peace. America's involvement in Iraq has cost our country and it's citizens dearly. Trillions of dollars (an unfathomable and outrageous amount) have been wasted in a war effort that is OBVIOUSLY more about OIL than terrorism. What if all that effort and expense had been put into research & development of new alternative energy supplies? I believe Obama is more likely to support an energy plan for the nation that will not leave blood on our hands. I believe and hope, a leader who prioritizes the middle class, will also recognize the value of conservation of resources for our country and it's people. New frontiers can be attained, creating entirely new industries if this next president can redirect the attitude of our materialistic and greedy society. I voted for Obama, because I believe he posses the ability to change people's views on life itself.

Furthermore, his personality and demeanor, I believe, are MUCH more suited to healing diplomatic relations around the world than McCain. This is something our nation needed to address badly, and our future success depends upon it. No longer are we a nation standing alone, but a nation tied to every corner of the globe. What Obama is able to achieve as president will largely be up to the cooperative nature of bi-partisan leadership, which I hope and pray he finds. I think Obama's leadership style will be respected and admired within our country as well as around the globe, bringing with it inspiration, hope and respect. This is why I voted for him.