All Commentary
OpinionRoberts ruling on Obamacare rebukes partisanship with moderationFew doubted the Supreme Court ruling on health care, or Obamacare, would be 5-4. Hardly anyone figured Chief Justice John G. Roberts would swing to uphold the law. His moderation is a measured rebuke to the law's politicization. Bipartisanship is needed on big issues.
The Monitor's ViewA taxing decision on health care mandate by the Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court ruling on the health care law and its mandate assumes that a 'tax' for not buying insurance is simply an incentive. It isn't much of an incentive if it penalizes those who rely on nonmedical means of healing.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveA haven during the Colorado wildfires
A Christian Science perspective: Colorado wildfires have caused tens of thousands to evacuate their homes. How can safety and comfort be found?
The Monitor's ViewSyria intervention of the right sortWhen Syria downed a Turkish jet last Friday, who came out in support of Turkey? That club of democracies called NATO. The Syrians' cry for freedom demands a strong response by nations already free.
- Readers RespondLetter to the Editor: UN mission in Haiti is not 'all about scandal'
Mariano Fernández Amunátegui, special representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Haiti, defends the work of the UN mission (MINUSTAH) there.
OpinionTitle IX at 40: Most schools still aren't in complianceFour decades after Title IX went into place, enormous progress for women and girls has been made. But most schools in America are still not providing men and women with equal opportunities to participate and equal treatment in athletics. There's work to be done.
OpinionTime to end the 'cold war' between Turkey and IsraelWith Iran nuclear talks stalled, Syria downing a Turkish fighter jet, and uncertainty following the Arab Spring, there has never been a more important time for Turkey and Israel to end their 'cold war.' They can begin with a compensation deal over the Mavi Marmara flotilla incident.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveRefuse to be a prisoner
A Christian Science perspective: Despite oppressing circumstances, we can each find inner freedom, as displayed by Aung San Suu Kyi when she was under house arrest in Myanmar (Burma).
Opinion'Elite' Supreme Court sides with science and juvenilesJustice Alito chided the Supreme Court majority for its 'elite vision' in striking down mandatory life sentences for juveniles convicted of murder. But the court based its decision on science – the science of adolescent brain development. Science is a kind of elitism that we need more of.
The Monitor's ViewSupreme Court ruling on life sentences for young criminalsThe Supreme Court ruling against mandating life-without-parole sentences for young criminals assumes that children are more capable of reform than adults. This premise is based on shaky views of character development.
OpinionSupreme Court immigration ruling: A win for Arizona, a call to action for CongressThe Supreme Court handed Arizona a hard fought victory in upholding the most contentious part of its immigration law. All other portions might be found constitutional, it seems, if Congress would state so explicitly in federal law. The decision should serve as a clarion call to Congress.
OpinionWhy the Supreme Court ruling on immigration is a clear rebuke to ArizonaBoth sides of the immigration debate claim victory, but the court not only accepted virtually all of the Obama administration’s arguments, it also rejected Arizona’s primary contention that local police have 'inherent' authority to enforce federal immigration laws.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveResolving conflict between Turkey and Syria
The Monitor's ViewSupreme Court ruling on Arizona law must lead to 'civil discourse' on illegal immigrationThe Supreme Court ruling on Arizona law SB 1070 will let states help enforce federal immigration law through police checks on immigration status. This should create more federal-state cooperation in battling illegal immigration, especially in states hit hardest by such massive lawlessness.
OpinionBeyond Supreme Court ruling: Romney, Obama, and America don't get HispanicsHispanic-Americans comprise the fastest growing electorate in the country and possibly the most misunderstood. Their views on the Arizona immigration law (SB 1070), which the Supreme Court upheld in part with its ruling today, exemplify the complex contours of Hispanic voters.
OpinionA more divisive, political US Supreme Court? Think again.Public approval of the US Supreme Court is dropping. That trend may be enforced by its decisions on the Arizona immigration law and health-care reform. But the rate of dissent in the court today is no greater than before. The problem lies with the divisive cases the court selects.
OpinionThe other victim in the Sandusky verdict: Mike McQueary, the Good SoldierMike McQueary reported apparent child sex abuse, but he's blamed for not doing enough. American men may call the rule-breaking Lone Ranger their hero, but they are raised to be the Good Soldier or Team Player. It’s easy to blame McQueary for not being the exception.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWho's at the head of your table?
A Christian Science perspective.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Saudi Arabia isn't model for reform; Flawed logic on texting and driving
Letters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of June 25, 2012: Saudi Arabia's oppression of women, foreign workers, and the Shiite minority is shocking; Don't jump to faulty conclusions to explain an uptick in traffic accidents after a ban on texting while driving.
Dinner is not just for diningSitting down, breaking bread, and wielding utensils properly are not just pleasant ways to end the day. Families grow closer, kids get smarter, and food tastes better.
