All The Monitor's View
- Feeling poor? Wealthy? Here's a reason why.
More studies probe gaps between people, especially in income. This trend only reinforces a self-image based on stereotypes and relative comparisons. Isn't identity anchored first in the absolutes of life?
- In Libya elections, lessons for Arab Spring
The Libya elections were a step forward for a bedraggled Arab Spring. They revive the region's cry for democracy and may set a model in how to accommodate Islam with individual rights.
- 'Stand your ground' loses ground
As defendant George Zimmerman tries to raise a $1 million bond in the case of the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, a new study suggests that ‘stand your ground’ laws aren’t a deterrent to crime and increase homicides.
- Baseball proudly wears its green
In pro baseball, which holds its all-star game Tuesday, more than the playing fields are green. Teams are rigorously looking for ways to cut energy use and become better overall environmental stewards.
- The Internet needs its own ‘declaration of independence’
A new ‘Declaration of Internet Freedom’ should spark a much-needed discussion about online rights and privacy.
- What kind of PRI will rule Mexico?
Mexican voters have done what was once unthinkable, returning the notoriously corrupt PRI to the presidency after tossing it out in 2000. But Mexico is a different place today.
- In health-care decision, Roberts rules of order reign
Besides his key vote in upholding most of Obamacare, Chief Justice John Roberts also pointed to a need for civility, humility, and limits in the use of power.
- A taxing decision on health care mandate by the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruling on the health care law and its mandate assumes that a 'tax' for not buying insurance is simply an incentive. It isn't much of an incentive if it penalizes those who rely on nonmedical means of healing.
- Syria intervention of the right sort
When Syria downed a Turkish jet last Friday, who came out in support of Turkey? That club of democracies called NATO. The Syrians' cry for freedom demands a strong response by nations already free.
- Supreme Court ruling on life sentences for young criminals
The Supreme Court ruling against mandating life-without-parole sentences for young criminals assumes that children are more capable of reform than adults. This premise is based on shaky views of character development.
- Supreme Court ruling on Arizona law must lead to 'civil discourse' on illegal immigration
The Supreme Court ruling on Arizona law SB 1070 will let states help enforce federal immigration law through police checks on immigration status. This should create more federal-state cooperation in battling illegal immigration, especially in states hit hardest by such massive lawlessness.
- Obama and Romney must link economy, immigration
Last week, Obama and Romney gave dueling speeches on the economy. This week, it was immigration. The two topics are very much related. The candidates should focus on that.
- After Supreme Court ruling, FCC must give clear indecency standards
A Supreme Court ruling on FCC indecency rules for broadcast TV calls for less vague standards but seems to back the public interest in safeguarding children from vulgarities and nudity on public airwaves. Now the FCC must provide clarity for such rules.
- Arab Spring's second revolution
Tunisia, home to the Arab world's first successful uprising against a dictator, erupted this week with a battle between radical Islamists and the moderate Islamic party that dominates government. A second revolution, one within Islam that can reconcile it with democracy, will again help the Middle East.
- G20 summit can help Greece by looking at host Mexico
Mexico's own recovery from a currency crisis has enabled it to play host to this year's G20 summit. What lessons can eurozone countries draw from that?
- Egypt elections: How to reverse the military power grab
Just after the Egypt elections for president ended, the military announced sweeping powers for itself. This hubris of superiority runs against the historic tide of democracy – which includes civilian control of the military.
- Aung San Suu Kyi brings timely message for Europe – and Egypt
In her trip to Europe, Aung San Suu Kyi shares lessons learned in Burma (Myanmar) on how one's inner freedom can overcome despair. That's timely, especially for Greece as well as Egypt, as 'The Lady' also picks up her Nobel Peace Prize.
- What's missing in Romney, Obama speeches on the economy
The dueling speeches on the economy by Obama and Romney simply offered national solutions. Yet so many cities and states are on a strong comeback. How can the jobless join that success?
- Lessons in risk for JPMorgan Chase chief
JPMorgan Chase bank chief Jamie Dimon explained his bank's $2 billion trading loss to Congress, revealing a lesson in not being complacent about risk management – a difficult task in a complex world of diffuse risks.
- Russia protests keep democracy dream alive
The Russia protests on Tuesday tell Putin that the popular hopes for democracy are alive and kicking. His subtle suppression of dissent only hurts Russia's opportunity to modernize its economy.