All Commentary
OpinionIn quest for jobs, Fed chair Bernanke's money spigot hurts economy in long runUS unemployment fell to 7.8 percent (a possible boon to President Obama, whose economic leadership Mitt Romney criticizes). But job growth remains slow. Fed Chair Bernanke's quantitative easing policies aim to boost the economy, but they will more likely spur inflation and capital flight.
A Christian Science PerspectiveThe simple art of trusting, dog styleA Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewThe Obama, Romney dance on debt in the debatesLost in the dueling economic figures of the presidential debate was a shared moral concern by Mitt Romney and President Obama about the giant debt being left behind by baby boomers. Young Americans – and future generations – need more of that political unity.
After the presidential debate: How to close the voting gap among low-income peopleAfter last night's presidential debate, voter turnout is top of mind for the Mitt Romney and President Obama campaigns. But their concerns fail to address our democracy's fundamental challenge: how to increase voter registration among low-income citizens and communities of color.
- After the presidential debate: How to close the voting gap among low-income people
After last night's presidential debate, voter turnout is top of mind for the Mitt Romney and President Obama campaigns. But their concerns fail to address our democracy's fundamental challenge: how to increase voter registration among low-income citizens and communities of color.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveSpiritual stargazing
A Christian Science perspective: Who or what is at the center of your universe?
OpinionObama played bad defense against an articulate, high-scoring RomneyPresident Obama's weary cadence throughout the presidential debate last night was a sad contrast with Mitt Romney’s sunny intensity and articulate flow of figures and 'facts.' His many good lines appealed to undecided voters or responded to negative impressions.
The Monitor's ViewRomney, Obama can help democracy in presidential debatesVoter interest in the 2012 election is down. Mitt Romney and President Obama must use the unique opportunity of the presidential debates to engage those not likely to vote.
OpinionMedia shouldn't dismiss value of Romney, Obama presidential debatePresidential debates – like tonight's between Mitt Romney and President Obama – are educational. The voters know it, and the statistics show it. But somebody forgot to tell our news organizations, which continue to dismiss the real importance of the debates.
OpinionWhat Romney and Obama can learn from Jim Lehrer in tonight's presidential debateJim Lehrer will moderate tonight's presidential debate with the same thoughtful tone he instilled in me as a young journalist. With Washington gridlocked, our next president will need that same spirit of inquiry and dialogue. Mitt Romney and President Obama should start by taking a cue from Jim.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveEmergency? Call Psalm 91:1.
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWomen can't be airbrushed out of Arab SpringLike IKEA's deletion of photos of women from its catalog for Saudi Arabia, Muslim countries now creating democracies can't leave out women's rights while creating civic rights.
3 views on whether US states should require voter ID Voter ID laws enacted recently in several states have taken center stage this election cycle. Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson ruled Tuesday that the state could not implement its new voter ID law until after this year's November elections. As the fifth installment of our One Minute Debate series for election 2012, three writers give their brief take on whether US states should require voter ID.- A Christian Science PerspectiveSecond chances
A Christian Science perspective: Adam Greenberg, whose major league baseball career ended after one pitch seven years ago, is being given a second chance. His story turned this writer to the second chances God offers each of us.
Global ViewpointGordon Brown: Lack of global education fuels security threatsIf countries don't close the global gap in access to education, unrest will grow – not because young people are anti-American, but because they have lost hope. We must persuade governments and publics that educating a child in a poor country is a worthwhile investment.
- Global ViewpointGordon Brown: Lack of global education fuels security threats
If countries don't close the global gap in access to education, unrest will grow – not because young people are anti-American, but because they have lost hope. We must persuade governments and publics that educating a child in a poor country is a worthwhile investment.
The Monitor's ViewA global model for peacebuilding – in Somalia?One of the world's most famous failed states, Somalia, finally shows surprising signs of progress. One reason may be Somali fatigue over violence, anarchy, and foreign meddling.
OpinionSupreme Court case tests US leadership in human rightsToday the Supreme Court will assess whether US courts can hear lawsuits that pertain to events outside the country. If the justices eventually decide 'no,' an important avenue for redress will be closed to foreign victims of human-rights abuses – and America’s beacon will shine less brightly.
OpinionBeware Russia's hand in elections in Georgia, Ukraine, LithuaniaA top priority of Russian President Vladimir Putin is the reintegration of former Soviet republics – based on tighter economic links and culminating in a political and security pact centered around Russia. Meddling in Eastern European elections is one way to fulfill Putin's regional ambition.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveSharing that makes a difference
A Christian Science perspective.
