All Commentary
OpinionGag the 'ag-gag' laws that bar undercover recording of cruelty to farm animalsSeveral states have passed 'ag-gag' laws that make it illegal to gather undercover documentation and videos of cruelty to animals at factory farms and in other areas of industrial agriculture. But it is precisely this kind of reporting that exposes and can help stop abuse of animals.
- A Christian Science PerspectivePrayers for firefighters
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewAfter military ouster of Egypt's Morsi, a chance to get it rightThe causes for the military ouster of Egypt's elected president are what Egyptians must now address. First of all, they must develop a mutual trust for building a consensus on all of democracy's values. Tunisia serves as a good example.
OpinionWhen summer camp forbids laptops, there's always letter writingAs I was writing a letter to our son Will, who is away at boarding camp for seven weeks, I felt a vague sense of historical reenactment – as if I were firing a musket or cooking over a hearth.
OpinionA better way to improve safety at garment factories in BangladeshPresident Obama is pulling US trade privileges for Bangladesh to force improved safety at garment factories. But this will cost poor workers their jobs and could undermine stability in this fragile democracy. Better to support a Bangladeshi-led reform agenda – with benchmarks.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveSounding the depths of freedom
A Christian Science perspective: Fourth of July festivities bring to mind what lies behind true freedom.
The Monitor's ViewWhen officials try to ban economic truthA mandate on Chinese media not to report a credit crunch is the latest example of governments trying to keep bad news under wraps. But the forces for honest financial data are too strong to defy.
OpinionObama's 'partnership of equals' in Africa: Both sides must step upPresident Obama, who departs Africa today, has cast his mark on the US-Africa relationship by calling it 'a partnership of equals.' This is more of a goal than reality. Over the past decade the US has squandered its advantage. And Africans bear shared responsibility for economic stability.
OpinionNice-guy Obama fails Turkey's democracyThe Obama administration has been far too solicitous of Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan and his increasingly authoritarian ways. Its reasoning is based on the flawed assumption that being nice will ensure cooperation from this strategic ally. That hasn't been the case.
- A Christian Science Perspective"What's it to you?"
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewLoss of Arizona firefighters must spur new thinking on wildfiresThe loss of 19 firefighters in Arizona can serve as reminder of why the US must deal with basic causes for a rise in forest fires. Stakeholders, from homeowners to the timber industry, must cooperate on solutions.
OpinionEgypt's President Morsi and opposition must talk – and fix the constitutionProtesters are demanding President Morsi's resignation and have burned the headquarters of his backers, the Muslim Brotherhood. The way out of this crisis is for Morsi and opposition leaders to negotiate a path forward together. That must include a constitution that is representative of Egypt.
It's the 'Bicycle Spring'Long shunted to the side of the road -- and sometimes denied the road entirely -- the humble, fragile, friendly bicycle is merging into mainstream traffic in unprecedented numbers around the globe. And it's not always a smooth ride.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveShould we be wrapping our thoughts around the medicine of Mind?
A Christian Science perspective.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Many heroes behind South Korea's rebirth; Is US gun lobby selling fear to sell guns?
Letters to the Editor for the July 1, 2013 weekly print magazine:
As a Peace Corps volunteer in Chuncheon in the 1960s, I watched my impoverished students work long hours to succeed. Nearly half a century has made the Korea of my memory unrecognizableMany hearts and hands have supported Korea’s rebirth.
US gun violence has decreased, but most Americans think the opposite. That's because good marketing from the gun lobby (in this case, fear of violence driving desire for protection) leads to a predictable increase in demand.
The Monitor's ViewAfter protests, what Egypt can learn from MandelaMass protests in Egypt calling for the ouster of President Morsi reflect a young democracy in need of lessons in developing trust and reconciliation. Egyptians can find them on the opposite end of Africa in Mandela's example.
OpinionBe inclusive, Morsi, or you may face a second Egyptian revolutionWill it take a second revolution to complete Egypt’s democratic transition? Anti-government protesters plan to turn out in massive numbers Sunday. President Mohamed Morsi should heed cries for more inclusiveness. Otherwise, he may find himself toppled like Mubarak.
OpinionGo North, America – to the ArcticAlaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski writes that until the US makes the Arctic an issue of national importance, America’s future there will be severely limited while other countries move ahead. The US can take a crucial step by ratifying the Law of the Sea treaty.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveDivine Love's care for children
A Christian Science perspective: Prayer on the soccer field sidelines when parents’ emotions run high and shinguards come in handy.
The Monitor's ViewWith Africa's eyes on Obama trip, a continent takes stock of its progressAs President Obama visits Africa – and the world tracks reports about Nelson Mandela – Africans are due praise for 15 years of triumphs.
