All Commentary
OpinionIndia won't be 'the world's largest democracy' until it upholds human rightsTwenty-five years ago, India suspended part of its Constitution and launched a brutal campaign against Sikh separatists in its Punjab province. Today, India must provide reparations to the victims and vow to uphold human rights, especially in Kashmir and the northeast states.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveEaster's uplift
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhen helping the poor doesn't helpIn a new study, the International Monetary Fund takes aim at energy subsidies, a common practice by countries to help the poor or benefit consumers and industry. The costs far outweigh any benefits, especially for the poor, finds the IMF.
OpinionSaudi Arabia vs. China: America can't play favorites with human rightsWhile the US has been quick to condemn human rights violations in China and rally behind persecuted activists there, President Obama has seemed hesitant to do the same with Saudi Arabia and its persecution of human rights activist Mohammad Fahad Al-Qahtani.
OpinionWhy I love, but also hate, March MadnessI'm a crazed basketball fan, but as an educator, I hate myself for watching March Madness. College sports are a plague on American higher education. They add a big-ticket item to mounting costs, and they compromise academic quality. Here are the numbers to prove it.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveTo Google or not to Google?
A Christian Science perspective: Online research can be helpful and informative as well as addictive and captivating, especially when symptoms of illness are involved. How does anyone draw the line?
The Monitor's ViewWhy a BRICS 'world bank' may be welcomeThe so-called BRICS 'club' of nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa – plan to start a development bank to rival the World Bank. This challenge to the Western-driven liberal order relies to a large part on that order.
OpinionWhere Sheryl Sandberg gets it wrongFacebook chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, offers sound career advice to women with her 'lean in' initiative. But must the answer to gender inequity always be to make women more like men? Sometimes women also need to push back and speak out – for the good of men, too.
OpinionObama must support global Arms Trade TreatyThe unregulated global arms trade fuels wars and human rights abuses worldwide. The Obama administration must work with other countries at the UN to close the deal on a robust, effective Arms Trade Treaty to reduce the illicit flow of weapons to conflict zones.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveYour genesis
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhat we can do about income inequalityA new Brookings Institution study points to a 'permanent' inequality of income in the US, mainly because workers haven't adapted to rapid technological change. Reducing this underclass starts with workers themselves.
OpinionI'd rather have employees who don't just 'lean in,' but are 'all in'In the 1990s while Sheryl Sandberg was learning how to 'lean in' to her career, I was learning to lean in at home as a single father. And the truth is that you can’t lean in equally hard at work and at home. Instead, we can be 'all in' – present in the moment, focused passionately on each task.
OpinionBeyond the sequester: The merits – and flaws – of Obama's preschool planSequester cuts will stymie President Obama’s early childhood education agenda for the foreseeable future, but expanding preschool for low-income families is still an idea whose time has come. And there are several aspects of the president's preschool plan to applaud.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveHarmful suggestions: a health care dilemma
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewIn Cyprus rescue, EU steps on a basic freedomIn allowing Cyprus to impose capital controls, the EU violates one of its founding principles – the free flow of money (and goods) to help unite nations.
OpinionTexas legislators must do their jobs – and not allow concealed guns on campusThe Texas state legislature is currently in committee to decide the fate of SB 182 – a bill that would allow concealed handguns on college campuses. Legislators must heed the perspective of the people who are most affected by a bill – the majority of college students who oppose it.
OpinionA better way to prevent overfishingInstead of risky shorter seasons, a shared catch-limit allows fishermen to work whenever they want. Today, more than half of all seafood caught in US waters is in 'catch-shares' management. That’s good for both fisheries and fishermen and their communities.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveDon't fear that chair!
A Christian Science perspective: Is sitting hazardous to your health?
- Readers RespondReaders Write: How I fight gun and gang violence, as a former gang member
Letter to the Editor for the March 25, 2013 weekly print issue: As a mentor for youth involved in gangs, I agree that the combination of law enforcement and clergy mentorship is a great dynamic to implement in high-risk neighborhoods. I should know. I'm a former gang member myself.
The Monitor's ViewA model to end Washington gridlock: MexicoSince its political leaders signed a pact for national reform in December, Mexico has been on a roll. The country's suffering from self-inflicted gridlock was reason enough for consensus and change.
