All The Monitor's View
- Obama’s silence on spillover of legal pot
Colorado’s legalization of marijuana has prompted a suit before the Supreme Court and a request for President Obama to take a position. Here’s why he should side with the suit by Oklahoma and Nebraska.
- Of kings, lawmakers, and 'we the people'
Just as the world celebrates Magna Carta, the Supreme Court rules that popular referendums can, in effect, be the same as a legislature. The search for a natural law of self-governance goes on.
- After same-sex marriage ruling, a way to reconcile
No matter what one thinks of the Supreme Court's decision in favor of same-sex marriage, both sides need a better understanding of dignity to avoid future duels in the courts or legislatures.
- The court's choice words in 'Obamacare' ruling
A theme runs through Chief Justice Roberts's rulings upholding aspects of the Affordable Care Act. In the latest one on federal insurance exchanges, he again emphasizes freedom and choice.
- Patience as a corporate virtue
To encourage long-term thinking in banks, Britain imposes a possible delay in executive bonuses. Other steps can help reduce ‘short-termism’ in corporations.
- Japan, South Korea cozy up
By jointly honoring an anniversary, the two US allies can now finish making amends and start to work together for their common interests in Asia.
- Looking for ways to prevent ‘another Charleston’
The first major reform proposed after the racial killings in South Carolina was to remove a symbol from the state capitol: the Confederate flag. This may seem minor, but it signals how America deals with racism today.
- A sibling model of reform for Greece
As the European Union and Greece try again to avoid a showdown, another Greek-speaking country, Cyprus, has made praiseworthy reforms after its financial crisis. It can be a model for its larger sibling.
- A black church's road to recovery
The mass killing at a historic black church in Charleston is a needless tragedy, but one that triggers a strong tradition in black churches: forgiveness.
- From fathers to 'fatherhood'
Starting this Father’s Day, let’s celebrate men and women able to perform as both a father and a mother. A 'Fatherhood Day,' perhaps?
- Giving is way up, but for what reason?
An unexpected rebound in giving in the US so soon after the recession is attributed to a healthier economy. But one study finds other, less material motives for generosity.
- A model of reconciliation for Myanmar
Buddhist attacks on Muslim Rohingya minorities in Myanmar (Burma) cry out for a solution. One may lie in Sri Lanka, where a new president, a Buddhist, seeks postwar reconciliation with minority Tamils.
- Europe's crises of giving
Big demands from Greece, Ukraine, and fleeing migrants challenge Europe’s legacy of generosity. A timely book on altruism suggests a way out.
- When China stands to reason
China's official welcome to democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi marks a possible bow to freedom's demand that people must reason together in seeking the truth rather than live in fear under a truth-denying regime.
- As Obama escalates war on IS, Congress must give OK
With the president adding more troops in Iraq against Islamic State, the need for war authorization becomes more necessary. The war's future requires both disciplined thinking and political consensus.
- FIFA reform lies in its own oasis of integrity
As the Women's World Cup begins in Canada, FIFA should be reminded that it is men's soccer that carries the weight of recent scandals. By elevating women's soccer, FIFA can raise its standards and restore its reputation.
- For Mideast's democracy deficit, a Turkish delight
Voters in Turkey's June 7 parliamentary election set a model for a region in need of democratic ways to reconcile domestic differences over religion, ethnicity, and basic freedoms.
- Canada's moment to right past wrongs
A government report accuses Canada of past 'cultural genocide' for the forced assimilation of native people. Like other democracies with a history of abusing indigenous or minority people, Canada can set a model for reconciliation.
- A 'rape glut' on TV: How viewers can respond
Recent graphic rape scenes on shows like ‘Game of Thrones’ have stirred viewer outrage. There are ways to change Hollywood's script about rape.
- In war on IS, solutions may be everywhere
Iraq issues this moral challenge to countries that fail to stop Muslims from joining Islamic State: You must do more because of your neglect of radicalization at home and of IS recruitment.