All The Monitor's View
Today's democracy heroes are in the fiscal trenchesThe West's years of unsustainable promises on spending are hardly a model of democracy. When elected leaders, such as Rhode Island treasurer Gina Raimondo, tell the truth on how to rein in costs, they are democracy's heroes.
When campaign politics turn vicious, what voters can doAs the 2012 campaigns settle into a pattern of personal attacks, voters need not be passive, or even resigned. The can demand civility.
Protect the most innocent in Syria – childrenThe largely ignored civil war in Syria has taken a big toll on children. They are often targeted, even tortured. Russia and China must not again block an effective UN response to the Assad regime's war crimes.
Old Europe meets newDriven by the euro crisis, 11 European nations led by Germany propose a tighter union with more democracy. As a new model of governance and shared sovereignty, it would be one of old virtues designed for tougher global competition.
Bringing wisdom to Japan-China island clashesJapan and China must de-escalate their dangerous nationalist conflict over 5 small islands with the diplomacy of restraint and patience.
Muslim protests as a gauge of free speechMost of the world's Muslims aren't violently protesting the anti-Islam video. And many Islamic leaders seek peaceful protest but not censorship. This may be a sign that free speech has gained as a universal right.
Bernanke and Fed can't be sole bearers of economic certaintyIn bold moves, central banks in the US and Europe promise indefinite spending to boost markets. The Federal Reserve and European Central Bank may be financial backstops but they can't pitch certainty into an economy.
Why bike sharing will make cities friendlierNew York and Chicago launch bike-sharing programs next spring, a big jump for creating a cycling culture in American cities. Life for urban dwellers will be better. Here's why.
Islam's answer to the killing of US envoys in LibyaThe killing of US diplomats in Libya is seen as zealous revenge for the blasphemy of a film against Islam. Muslims must assert their faith's teachings of peace and mercy as the answer to such hate.
Hard lessons in liberty for the Middle EastWith pro-democracy struggles in trouble in Iran and in the Arab Spring, opposition figures now realize that unity against tyranny is easier than unity in favor of democracy. Many see the need for a change.
The Chicago teachers strike in an era of accountabilityThe Chicago teachers strike isn't only about pay and work hours. The union also opposes merit pay and stricter evaluation of teachers. The strike's outcome will influence the future of a national movement for accountability of public school teachers.
Asia must shed myth of limited goodThis year's summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum comes as Asia faces pressure to revert to an old notion that prosperity and power only come at the expense of others. This dynamic region should resist such myths.
Integrity and the Harvard cheating scandalHarvard University's investigation of alleged mass cheating in one class points to the difficulty of schools teaching integrity to students. Rules, honor codes, and courses on ethics can help. But much depends on individual character.
Why trust eludes GOP, Democrats at political conventionsRepeated disregard of the facts – and fact-checkers – forces voters to arm themselves by searching out the truth about candidates.
A food price spike that needn't beThe UN warns of a global spike in food prices, caused in large part by drought, that could lead to riots like those four years ago. Big grain exporters need to rethink their policies, especially in the US with its mandate on ethanol for fuel.
Obama and Democratic National Convention must clarify on IranObama plans to play up his foreign policy at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. With Romney's tougher stance on Iran and its nuclear program, Obama must help voters have a clear choice.
Egypt's call for 'ethical duty' in SyriaThe Middle East is truly a new place when an elected Muslim leader of Egypt speaks out in Iran on the need for the world to help free Syria. Such moral stands can have real results.
How GOP, Democratic conventions can really educate votersMitt Romney and Barack Obama try to compete on 'creating jobs.' But millions of good jobs go begging. Why? Workers need higher education. That's the better issue to debate.
For those in path of hurricane Isaac, a lesson from IreneA year ago, Vermont was hit hard by floods from hurricane Irene. For those facing hurricane Isaac, the strong community spirit of Vermonters can serve as a lesson in how to respond and to recover.
Neil Armstrong: A giant leap for modestyThe humility of Neil Armstrong after his moonwalk is a model for a balanced approach to giving credit for great achievements.
