Politics on the local and national spheres share one value in common. Voters expect their representatives to serve their constituents without seeking personal gain.  In Oregon, the feeling is so strong, that when I served in public office, I rejected a free lunch if it was offered. 

To be appalled by the restricted lives women live in the Middle East is easy because the rules governing their lives are so schizophrenic. Take Saudi Arabia, for example. Women are allowed careers, but they aren’t allowed to drive, which effectively prevents them from getting to and