All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewChristmas in Newtown: restoring childlike innocenceA big Christmas tree in Newtown, Conn., has become a memorial site for the Sandy Hook children killed at their elementary school. Many faiths use a Christmas-like embrace of an innocent child to help them in troubled times and restore the promise of purity.
OpinionWill John Boehner, President Obama master art of humility before 'fiscal cliff'?John Boehner and President Obama continue their 'fiscal cliff' tussle over tax increases and spending cuts. But negotiating requires a healthy dose of humility. America's Founding Fathers, especially Madison and Franklin, knew this lesson well. We should look to them for guidance.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveHow I prayed through tragedy when my dad was killed
A Christian Science perspective: An offer of comfort to families after the Sandy Hook shootings.
OpinionNew gun laws? Don't aim at only mass shootings like Sandy Hook.We only take notice when gun violence is sufficiently spectacular, such as at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. But on a typical day in the US, 33 people are murdered by guns, and 50 die in gun-related suicides. It's time to regulate.
The Monitor's ViewWhat Kerry, Hagel would bring to Obama diplomacyReports of Sen. John Kerry becoming Secretary of State, and Republican Chuck Hagel being tapped for Defense, hint at a new attempt to use 'soft power' in Obama's second term. But will it work?
OpinionAs fiscal cliff approaches, don't be fooled by the great Nordic mythThe Nordic countries are some of the happiest and most prosperous, which many attribute to socialist policies. That's a myth. As John Boehner and President Obama's 'fiscal cliff' debate over spending cuts continue, lawmakers should remember that socialism did not spell prosperity.
OpinionSandy Hook massacre: The NRA's gun 'rights' are a fabrication of modern timesIn the wake of Adam Lanza's massacre at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, let's try a grade-school exercise. True or false? For most of US history, Americans had broad gun rights. That's false. Until recently, individual gun rights were severely restricted – with NRA support.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveMeeting the Sandy Hook tragedy with the spirit of Christmas
A Christian Science perspective: In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook shootings, God's angels are present to comfort, guide, and heal.
The Monitor's ViewA bridge for action after Sandy Hook shootingsAmericans were united over the weekend on the need for solutions to mass shootings like that at Sandy Hook school in Newtown, Conn. Now they must also deal with their respective fears over the different solutions being proposed.
Opinion'Fiscal cliff' cuts to job training for young people would cost taxpayers dearlyBecause of the 'fiscal cliff' John Boehner and other lawmakers are looking to cut spending. But failing to prioritize successful programs in education and job training for young people would cost taxpayers more in the long-run. America should be expanding, not defunding, those investments.
OpinionMadison never meant Second Amendment to allow guns of Sandy Hook shootingAdam Lanza's shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. renews debate over gun control. A close look shows that James Madison conceived the Second Amendment in a different time, under different circumstances, with different weapons.
Justice delayed -- and delayed and delayedWhen pre-trial detention stretches on for weeks or months, a suspect's right to a "speedy and public trial" is undermined. In effect, a prison sentence is being served without the prisoner having been convicted.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWhen tragedy strikes: a prayerful response to the shootings in Connecticut
A Christian Science perspective: A prayer for comfort after the tragic shootings in Newtown, Conn.
The Monitor's ViewNewtown shootings: What to say to ourselvesThe Newtown shooting of 20 children and 7 adults may be the strongest reminder that each individual must find ways to help end these kinds of mass slaughter.
OpinionNext time, US Senate should ratify UN disabilities treatyLast week, the US Senate voted down the UN disabilities treaty, despite a push from former GOP Senate Majority leader, Bob Dole. Critics say the treaty weakens parental rights and violates US sovereignty. Not so, and eight Republicans who crossed over to ratify, know that.
OpinionIs South Africa following the path of 'the strongman'?South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress, was once a post-apartheid hero. Now it is the latest caricature of African bad governance, and it no longer resonates with the people. At its upcoming meeting, the party must embrace internal debate and reject economic nationalism.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveHear the angels sing!
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewPutin's drive for Russian identityIn a big speech Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin said Russians lack 'spiritual braces.' He joins other world leaders who recently made similar warnings about their people. Should governments, especially those with weak democratic credentials, be promoting moral values?
OpinionTwo ways US and Europe can boost their economiesThe US and Europe now have two great opportunities to give their economies a much needed boost. One is to successfully navigate their debt mountains and fiscal cliffs. The other is to finally negotiate a US-EU free trade agreement.
OpinionUS colleges need affirmative action for conservative professorsAs a devout Democrat, I can't believe I'm saying this, but Bill O’Reilly is right. Universities should institute affirmative action for conservative professors, so all the professors aren't overwhelmingly liberal, as the recent national elections confirmed.
