All Commentary
OpinionBullied bus monitor: one cog in a broken machineBullied bus monitor Karen Klein had a responsibility to assert her authority. The takeaway for a child witnessing her passivity would be: 'If a grown-up can’t do anything to stop them, then I sure can’t.' That simply isn’t true. School districts and parents must learn from this case.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThe way Life is
A Christian Science perspective.
Women warriors: How close to combat?Women in the US military have been unofficially on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now they are looking to formalize their role.
The Monitor's ViewEssence of Penn State report on Sandusky scandal: Protect children's innocenceThe Penn State report is more than a plan to reform a college football program or a university that failed to prevent sexual abuse of minors by Jerry Sandusky. Any institution dealing with kids will find the report useful in protecting children as innocent beings.
OpinionSandusky report: Penn State the institution was more important than individualsThe Louis Freeh report condemns Joe Paterno and others at Penn State for covering up allegations of sexual abuse against Jerry Sandusky. Why did thoughtful adults turn a blind eye? They likely let their devotion to the institution take precedence over the suffering of individuals.
OpinionEhud Olmert could be Israel's comeback kid – and make peace with PalestiniansAfter his acquittal from key corruption charges former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is well positioned as a comeback kid in Israeli politics. If Olmert does return, the political discussion in Israel is going to change, with renewed focus on the Palestinian question.
Five tough truths about US-China relations The more American and Chinese officials proclaim their innocent intentions toward each other, the deeper the level of mistrust they generate. Official candor on five key truths about US-China relations will likely contribute to a more mature bilateral relationship and could help halt a potential slide to conflict.- A Christian Science PerspectiveHow can 'now' be eternal?
The Monitor's ViewGunboat diplomacy on a rebound?Russia deploys warships off Syria. China sends threatening vessels to its neighbors over island disputes. The world can't afford a return to 19th-century naval intimidation.
OpinionIn Pennsylvania, the Rosa Parks of voter ID faces down GOP voter suppressionA Pennsylvania court will hear a suit challenging the state's voter ID law, which requires a volume of voter qualification proof not present in a Supreme Court ruling that upheld voter ID. Leading the charge: a 93-year-old black woman. If she loses, Republican voter suppression wins.
Global ViewpointWhy China won't collapseThe purge of provincial party chief Bo Xilai is seen as China’s most serious political crisis in decades. But this view assumes the people are dissatisfied with the regime. In fact, the large majority of Chinese people support the single-party state structure. Still, dangers lurk.
- Global ViewpointWhy China won't collapse
The purge of provincial party chief Bo Xilai is seen as China’s most serious political crisis in decades. But this view assumes the people are dissatisfied with the regime. In fact, the large majority of Chinese people support the single-party state structure. Still, dangers lurk.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveBeyond belief
A Christian Science perspective: Spiritual reality is widely discussed, but words often fail to capture its meaning. Here’a a fresh look.
The Monitor's ViewFeeling poor? Wealthy? Here's a reason why.More studies probe gaps between people, especially in income. This trend only reinforces a self-image based on stereotypes and relative comparisons. Isn't identity anchored first in the absolutes of life?
OpinionOne benefit from expanded Medicaid: savings from more available contraceptionSeveral state governors say they are unlikely to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act upheld by the Supreme Court. But by opting out, states will lose societal and budgetary benefits of fewer unplanned pregnancies by making publicly funded contraception more available.
The Monitor's ViewIn Libya elections, lessons for Arab SpringThe Libya elections were a step forward for a bedraggled Arab Spring. They revive the region's cry for democracy and may set a model in how to accommodate Islam with individual rights.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveHaving it all?
A Christian Science perspective: Anne-Marie Slaughter's recent article in The Atlantic magazine revisits the challenges women face when trying to achieve a work-family balance. Here are some ideas about what a spiritual perspective on the issue can offer.
OpinionTime to curb the illicit global arms tradeConventional weapons that are sold or diverted to unscrupulous regimes, criminals, and terrorist groups kill hundreds of thousands of civilians every year in places like Syria and Sudan. World leaders must act soon on an arms trade treaty being negotiated this month at the United Nations.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveHow big is your infinite?
A Christian Science perspective: Recent news of the possibility of scientists' discovery of the subatomic particle Higgs boson, also known as the 'God particle,' evokes fresh thought about what makes up our world.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: America's class divide is really an information gap
Letters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of July 9, 2012: Information capital – the power to think and use information creatively – evolves over time as the product of a person's experiences with words and concepts. Poor children have less chance of developing it than their richer peers.
