All Commentary
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.
OpinionDon't penalize asylum-seekers at US portsIt's not fair: Refugees who seek asylum at US ports can be detained indefinitely, while those who apply once they are already in the country are generally allowed to remain free. The Justice Department must change its position and allow judicial review of asylum seekers at ports of entry.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveCommunity harvest with biblical gardening tools
A Christian Science perspective: How developing a community garden in a public housing project, despite obstacles, brought neighbors together in a meaningful and productive way.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Death penalty can reduce suffering; Gun laws protect
Letters to the Editor for the June 4, 2012 weekly print magazine: We can't apply a simplistic 'cost-benefit' analysis to the death penalty. Stand Your Ground laws give Americans the freedom to defend ourselves with force, but don't guarantee we will use it.
The Monitor's ViewCyberattacks challenge ideas of war – and peaceIf the US, China, and others adopt hidden methods of aggression like cyberwarfare, the nature of conflict will change rapidly. So, too, must peacemaking.
5 solutions for Mexico's drug violence and security challenges Drug violence has made an impact in Mexico and threatens to escalate and surpass the US border. This challenge could have far-reaching consequences for Central and North American security. Unless we act now to solve these common issues, we are placing the future competitiveness and prosperity of the entire region at risk. Here are five main points of action to move forward on Mexico's security challenges.
4 ways Congress can help American businesses The US unemployment hovers around 8.2 percent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average is struggling to remain above 12,000. The message is clear: This recovery from the Great Recession is still fragile. Legislators should focus their attention on these four straightforward policy changes to help American commerce.
Doing well by doing goodAltruism in the glue of society, the "social capital" that binds human and financial capital. Communities where people care for one another also have lower unemployment rates and higher quality of life.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveDrawn to good
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewDiamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth IIAs Britain celebrates the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth's 1952 ascension to the throne, it can also assess her legacy in balancing the monarch's duty as 'supreme governor' of the Church of England with being head of state.
OpinionWhy it's easier to be a good daddy than a good mommyTime magazine's recent 'breast-feeding cover' fueled another spat in the 'mommy wars.' Debating the 'perfect mother' ideal is a misogynistic narrative. We need to stop pitting moms against moms and start fighting the real battles, like defending against attacks on women's health care.
OpinionIs Facebook destroying our capacity for meaningful relationships?While investors follow Facebook stock prices, it is we the Facebook users who will shape this new global social fabric. We must reinvest in self-reflection and in-person relationship building. We must use Facebook in ways that bring us closer together, not tear us further apart.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWith your whole heart
A Christian Science perspective: In this age of multitasking, what needs our whole heart?
The Monitor's ViewBan on sex-selection abortions? Change attitudes toward girls instead.A GOP bill up for a vote in the House would ban sex-selective abortions, most of which abort females. Such laws are far less effective than changing public thinking about the value of girls and women to families and society.
OpinionMy final phone call with warlord Charles TaylorFormer president of Liberia Charles Taylor called me regularly in the early 1990s when I was the director of Voice of America's English-to-Africa broadcasts. I'll never forget one strange phone call from him. Unfortunately, my hunch about Taylor's connection to Sierra Leone would prove correct.
Opinion4 ways to save Rio+20 summit on sustainable developmentAs 'Elders,' even our optimism is being seriously tested by the lack of urgency about the Rio+20 summit on sustainable development in June. To succeed, the summit must start by setting goals, just as the UN did with its 'Millennium Development Goals' – with some targets now being met.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveAmerican football and the kingdom of heaven
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewRighting wrongs in China depends on rightsDissident Chen Guangcheng is speaking out about the need for rule of law in China. But the party is slowly accepting individual rights. And studies show those few rights are yielding positive results.
OpinionWith 'God on their side,' Romney and Republicans may very well prevailMitt Romney's Texas primary win secured him the Republican nomination. Now the GOP wants the support of every major US religion. Mormons, Jews, and Catholics identify with the party in increasing numbers. That helps Republicans erode the Democratic base.
- OpinionWith 'God on their side,' Romney and Republicans may very well prevail
Mitt Romney's Texas primary win secured him the Republican nomination. Now the GOP wants the support of every major US religion. Mormons, Jews, and Catholics identify with the party in increasing numbers. That helps Republicans erode the Democratic base.
