All The Monitor's View
- Candidates need antidotes to public anger, not anger
A combative, angry mood hangs over the presidential races, reflecting public sentiments. But below the anger are emotions that do need to be addressed, with a calm debate of policy.
- Make sure shale-gas boom doesn't go bust
Obama and GOP should unite in driving the use of this abundant gas as a 'bridge fuel' to renewable energy. But they must be cautious in rushing to tap shale gas.
- Independence for Scotland: Nothing brave about it
Breaking up countries, even peacefully, runs against the tide of history. Civic virtues can unite a people, despite their history and cultures.
- A quality of mercy in Haley Barbour's pardons
As he stepped down as Mississippi's governor, Haley Barbour pardoned more than 200 people, including some convicted of murder. His action, and the uproar over it, help ignite a useful debate on using mercy as a tool for justice.
- Self-immolation as protest tactic rises in Tibet, Middle East
Political suicides by fire rise among many Tibetans and Arabs as their situations grow desperate. But such a tactic often fails to ignite protest, and itself raises questions.
- One year after Egypt's revolution, dictators on the defensive
On the one-year anniversary of Egypt's uprising, the world is less free because dictators reacted to the Arab Spring. But at least now they are on notice, forcing the issue of democracy.
- Eight reasons to hit 'mute' during TV ads by super PACs
First Iowa, now South Carolina, have seen the first wave of political TV ads from super PACs – mostly negative – that will smother the 2012 elections. Voters have an easy way to avoid such ads.
- Web protests over piracy bills while China slaps Internet curbs
Legislation in Congress aims to curb Web theft of intellectual property while Beijing cracks down on bloggers. Both nations must weigh the cost to creativity that leads to innovation.
- Humanitarian acts as antidotes to war
Disasters can cause even adversarial nations to enjoy heart-to-heart moments of compassion. Russia delivers emergency fuel to an Alaskan town; the US Navy rescued Iranian fishermen.
- The fear factor in attacks on Romney's Bain
Campaign attacks on Romney's former investment firm only play to worker fears about jobs. Candidates should play to hopes that workers can adapt to a rapidly changing economy.
- Supreme Court's historic but unfinished ruling for religious liberty
The high court endorses an exception for churches in discrimination suits by certain workers. But it has a hard time deciding how secular government can define what a religious worker is.
- Rowdy politics aside, Americans are in a 'civics recession'
The presidential primaries give the impression of sharp citizenship skills among Americans. But civics learning lags. Obama education officials plan to reverse it.
- After New Hampshire primary: Will voters 'fire' Romney?
Mitt Romney's comment on firing people only helps open a debate about 'traditional' economics. Even economists are torn – after being humbled by the Great Recession. Can politics fill the void?
- Arab Spring justice – but a free pass for Yemen's Saleh
Under a plan backed by Obama and Saudi Arabia, Yemen's interim cabinet agreed Sunday to amnesty for President Ali Abdullah Saleh in return for him stepping down. But democracy can't take root without rule of law.
- Arabs, like others, don't buy into abuse of historic grievances
The Arab Spring reflects a trend away from people accepting leaders who try to exploit the ancient wrongs of other countries for their own political or violent ends.
- Obama military strategy: Is it bipartisan enough?
President Obama needed a security strategy before asking for big budget cuts in defense. His plan from the Pentagon calls for America to take more risks, create a lean force, and focus on Asia. But he'll need buy-in from Congress to make it stick.