All Commentary
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThe Bible and science fiction
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewJust kiddingToday's American politics needs the mix of humor and civility heard on NPR's soon-to-end "Car Talk." Mass culture that includes self-deprecatory jokes and a friendly tone can influence the nation's political discourse.
OpinionOne way to force compromise in Congress: No budget, no payThe Fix Congress Now Caucus is a bipartisan task force of representatives committed to fixing Congress through meaningful reforms. Our first goal: Pass the No Budget, No Pay Act, which would require Congress to pass a budget on time or have members' salaries withheld until it does.
OpinionSpanish bailout, Greek elections make June a make-or-break month in debt crisisEurope's debt crisis, magnified by the Spanish bank bailout and Greek elections, puts Europe at a crossroads: move to real fiscal union, which populations don't want, or break apart. There's a way to avoid this awful choice. Build up Europe and build it down at the same time.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveAfghanistan: why peace and stability are possible
A Christian Science perspective: Time spent in Afghanistan and getting to know Afghans, along with an understanding of the peace Christ Jesus promised, have convinced this writer that peace is possible.
Does nation-building work?The term "nation-building" smacks of colonialism. But when war has broken a country, nation-building is a moral duty -- and the best way to build is with equal parts outside and inside effort.
The Monitor's ViewA big step toward 'designer babies' – and big questionsResearchers have achieved the first mapping of a fetus's DNA. The breakthrough opens the potential to choose a child's characteristics. Such power, however, should also force questions about 'playing God.'
OpinionAs Syria morphs into a regional crisis, Annan 'contact group' a good place to startThe conflict in Syria is now a serious regional problem, requiring – ideally – a regional solution. That's why the Kofi Annan suggestion to create a Syria 'contact group' of world and regional powers is a good starting point. But such a group would also face tremendous obstacles.
OpinionDecline of American satellites is a matter of national securityAmerica's scientific satellites are in rapid decline, with few plans to replace them. The United States depends on satellites to track storms, monitor disasters, and build the economy. The US and private industry must work together to rebuild the satellite fleet.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveGuardian angels
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWorld eco-summit in Rio must come down to earthThe June 20-22 UN sustainable development conference in Rio, 20 years after the first Earth Summit, comes with the latest grave warnings for the planet. Does alarmist rhetoric still work to alter consumer behavior toward the environment?
OpinionSecretary Panetta, Afghanistan needs a peace settlement, not more warUS Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta arrived in Afghanistan, where US policy has been mostly military. Washington continues to view Afghanistan through the lens of war when it most needs peace – a negotiated settlement with insurgents and neighboring states like India and Pakistan.
OpinionWest must recognize peaceful Palestinian resistance movementThe West has been largely silent on Palestinian nonviolent resistance, which is unifying groups like Fatah and Hamas. Unless the West recognizes these peaceful initiatives, some Palestinians may question whether civil protest is any better than its violent alternative.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveCountering negativity in political campaigns
A Christian Science perspective.
OpinionWisconsin recall election: Scott Walker, Republicans – 1; American democracy – 0The Wisconsin recall elections left Scott Walker safe, but showed that American democracy isn't faring as well. The bitter recall election battle there has brought into sharper relief how our politics are changing structurally and what is being lost.
The Monitor's ViewWisconsin recall election as a wake-up callThe Wisconsin recall election for Gov. Scott Walker turned out not to be as partisan as expected. This fits a national trend in bipartisan reform of benefits for state and local workers.
OpinionHow to close the budget deficit without raising tax ratesTax credits and deductions are projected to cost the US Treasury around $1.3 trillion this fiscal year. Meanwhile, the budget deficit is projected at $1.2 trillion. Without all those tax breaks, the deficit would turn into a surplus. Polls suggest Americans may be willing to see them go, too.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveStay out of the swamp
A Christian Science perspective: What to do when the conversation in your ear drags you down.
The Monitor's ViewEuro crisis can build European identityWhen European Union leaders meet in late June, they will weigh ideas that point to more political unity as a way to stem the euro crisis. Will Europeans give up more national sovereignty?
Global ViewpointEurope needs a central government to manage its debt crisisAs Spain's credit possibilities dry up, the strength of the eurozone is further tested. If the European Union is to shield against the negative effects of globalization – like the current debt crisis – it needs a fully empowered, legitimate central government, writes a former Polish prime minister.
