When we focus on our responsibilities to one another, we do a lot better exercising our rights. One cannot go without the other.

In a time with so much turmoil, a lot of people are asserting their rights. Everyone has the rights given to us in our Constitution, but each one of us has the responsibility to use those rights in a way that doesn't tear down others.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qznsP7av65Y

Most of you know me from my conversations about the pandemic, medicine, and science. I am stepping a little bit outside of that space today to talk about the recent national conversation about policing and racial issues.

These topics always carry a lot of emotion, but I think we have more common ground than our national leaders and conversation would make it seem.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Zfe63Soy7UI

It has been a while since I last spoke on COVID-19. But I have been watching the uptick in cases closely. Overall, we are still doing well. But we need to make sure we are taking the precautions necessary.

The Coronavirus situation in Oregon continues to improve. What are the next steps? What can we expect in the coming months? Will there be a second wave?

Dr. Bud Peirce breaks it down on this episode of Oregon Crossroads.

Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/xbs7jplI3B0

Dr. Bud Pierce breaks down the biology of the Coronavirus and gives an update on how we are doing in Oregon.

We have existed with viruses and microorganisms for all of human history. There is so much we do not know about viruses in general, but especially this one.

Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/zHs8OzG_fsw

All things considered, Oregon is in good shape when it comes to the number of infections and numbers of deaths compared to many parts of the nation.

Reid Sund is running to be Ward 7's representative on the city council.  

I got to sit down with him and talk about how his position as the Finance Director at Salem Health influenced his thinking about our community's response to the Coronavirus, and about what he sees are the big issues in Salem.  

 I have been very impressed with Reid's vision, his leadership style, and his concern for his community. He's a family man, young, and passionate - I am proud to support him.  

Watch the podcast here: https://youtu.be/fu6Vny31rkk

This morning, news broke that Oregon is considering releasing some inmates early from prison because of the Coronavirus.

There will undoubtedly be very strong opinions on both sides, but this discussion reminds me when I sat down with Steve Doell, the current President of Crime Victims United, a victim advocacy group here in Oregon.

He talked to me about his journey to becoming an advocate for crime victims and last year's decision from the state legislature to roll back the death penalty in Oregon.

Whatever the Governor decides to do, my hope is that the perspective of victims are considered.

Read more about the situation here: https://www.oregonlive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/gov-kate-brown-considering-early-release-of-oregon-prisoners-amid-coronavirus-spread.html

Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/zBjIBSjLNmk

Dr. Bud Pierce talks about new developments in the Coronavirus crisis, including new testing methods, how we are doing in our local area, and what we can expect in the coming weeks.

Dr. Bud Pierce gives an update about the coronavirus from home. Featuring dog barks and a background feature from his son Michael.