All Commentary
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Labor unions deserve our thanks; Alcohol is deadliest drug
Letters to the Editor for the October 1, 2012 weekly print issue: Only 12 percent of workers are in unions now, but we should remember how unions have improved our lives and thank the many laborers around us today. In driving accidents, alcohol – not marijuana – is the deadliest drug.
Reading the Quran in a new wayLike the Bible, the Quran is filled with fiery passages and gentle ones. Some sentences contradict others. But a new way of reading the Muslim holy book -- based on an old way of storytelling -- might shed a very different light on its meaning.
The Monitor's ViewA rare apology in the Middle East. Cherish it.Libyan leader Megarif apologizes to the world and the US for past and current actions. With so much invective and violence in the Middle East, the region needs the healing power of such humility and contrition.
OpinionNote to tweeting #Romney, #Obama campaigns and #journalists: ChillBelieving that faster is better, journalists and political figures feel constant pressure to express themselves at the speed of a tweet. The resulting commentary is long on reflex and short on reflection, and harms public discourse. There's an answer: Slow down.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveA lesson from a waterfall, one drop at a time
A Christian Science perspective: After the writer moved into a senior community, she found meaning and connection after a period of feeling aimless and without purpose.
The Monitor's ViewA Chinese lesson in land rights and democracyThe first anniversary of a historic village protest over land grabs shows how far China , as well as many countries, must still go in securing property rights – and tying them to individual civic rights.
OpinionA shift away from zero tolerance will improve school disciplineZero tolerance for bad behavior is common in American schools, but this policy has often proved ineffective, even harmful to students and schools. The tide is turning. A method that relies on communication between students, teachers, and others improves accountability and school safety.
OpinionWhat Netanyahu's meddling in US election means for Obama, Romney, and diplomacyIsrael's Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the United Nations General Assembly today, where he is expected to reiterate his demands that President Obama set 'red lines' for Iran. It appears Netanyahu is meddling in US presidential elections, fueling rifts with Obama to favor Mitt Romney.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveTo soften the avenger's heart
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhy NFL referees must be model judgesThe 'bad' NFL referee call in the 'Monday Night Football' game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers puts a spotlight on those among us whom we elevate as truth tellers and judges.
OpinionFor Obama, reality meets idealism in ties with Muslim worldJust as he did in his groundbreaking speech in Cairo in 2009, President Obama this week articulated the need for 'mutual interest and mutual respect' between Muslims and Americans. His idealism, though, has run into reality. He must adjust if he wins a second term.
3 views on what the US should do about Iran's nuclear program Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addressed the United Nations General Assembly Wednesday, saying Iran is under a "continued threat by the uncivilized Zionists." As the fourth installment of our One Minute Debate series for election 2012, three writers give their brief take on what the United States should do about Iran's nuclear program.- A Christian Science PerspectiveDifficult is not impossible!
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewHow Obama, Romney foreign policies are alikeWhile they differ on issues like Iran and China, Obama and Romney are alike in not having a foreign policy that would inspire Americans to build a strong economy.
OpinionYemen needs a US reset, not a retreatLast week's violent anti-US protests underscore the need for greater US engagement in Yemen. The country's economic, political, and security future hinges on alleviating humanitarian needs, addressing their root causes, and fostering an inclusive political transition.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThe healing power of song
A Christian Science perspective. A conductor tells how she directed her orchestra of young musicians to follow this counsel from Leonard Bernstein: “This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before.”
The Monitor's ViewToday's democracy heroes are in the fiscal trenchesThe West's years of unsustainable promises on spending are hardly a model of democracy. When elected leaders, such as Rhode Island treasurer Gina Raimondo, tell the truth on how to rein in costs, they are democracy's heroes.
OpinionRomney needs Hispanics more than they need himRomney doesn’t grasp that playfully wishing he were Mexican-American is offensive to many Hispanics. His view of the Hispanic electorate seems simplistic and out of touch with the Latino experience. Hispanics do not vote based on ethnicity; we vote on policy.
3 views on how US should combat illegal immigration For the third installment in our One Minute Debate series for election 2012, three writers give their brief take on how the United States should combat illegal immigration: 'tighten up,' 'loosen up,' and 'another way.'
Balancing food, weather, and populationThe drought that has hit the United States and other grain-producing nations could be global warming or just a one-season aberration. But while weather fluctuates year to year, global population doesn't. And that means that feeding 9 billion mouths by 2050 will require unprecedented effort.
