All Commentary
OpinionInconvenient truths to a ban on texting while drivingIn Ohio, heated debate accompanied the move to ban texting while driving. That surprised me. Who could oppose such a thing? Ah, but then the law of unintended consequences put a whole new light on the controversy.
OpinionYour employer may be pocketing your state income taxSixteen states now allow corporations to withhold state income taxes from employees and keep the money as an incentive for a business to locate to or remain in a state. That means that, in effect, employees pay personal income tax to their company rather than their state government.
- A Christian Science PerspectivePeacemaking 101
A Christian Science perspective: How a student teacher's prayer brought peace during a violent outbreak in a high school classroom.
The Monitor's ViewWhat the world's poor can teach us on jobsThe prospect of long-term joblessness in Europe and the US should focus attention on a new type of economics that seems to work for helping the worst-off in poor countries.
OpinionFrom a ride in Ronald Reagan's limo, lessons on authenticityOn my first limousine ride alone with Ronald Reagan as a senior aide, he told me how much his mother shaped his beliefs. One thing about President Reagan, you knew what he believed in. Many voters may have a difficult time finding such rock-solid conviction in Romney or Obama.
- A Christian Science Perspective'To this end was I born'
A Christian Science perspective: No matter how difficult our lot in life may be, God's guiding hand is always accessible.
The Monitor's ViewStates should fold on Internet gamblingCalifornia and New Jersey, each seek more revenue, are leading the states toward Internet gambling, starting with online poker. But this all-too-easy form of gaming would come with at a high cost to society – and government.
OpinionPalestinian hunger strikes: the power of peaceful protestHunger strikes by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention ended with a deal this week for better treatment. That showed the power of peaceful protest. If Palestinians adopt nonviolence as a strategic tool, that could bridge the Israeli-Palestinian divide.
OpinionRussia should be rewarded with NATO membershipRussia should be on the agenda for NATO summit in Chicago this weekend. In spite of recent tensions, the historically fractured relationship between Russia and NATO is the most ripe for transformation. Obstacles like missile defense and Eastern Europe can be resolved.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveThe power of the invisible
A Christian Science perspective: A lesson from flying kites illustrates divine power.
The Monitor's ViewNonviolent tactics may be Syria's only path to freedomAn escalation of violence in Syria, as well as the enfeebled UN cease-fire, have revived the tactics of civil, peaceful resistance among many of Syria's democracy activists. Nonviolent means may be their ultimate force.
OpinionObama's meddling puts the brakes on the green car industryIn spite of a decade of failed government vehicle-efficiency policies, Obama has poured millions into the 'advanced vehicle' and fuel industries and wants to increase involvement. Unfortunately, the harm done by these handouts will extend far beyond simply wasting taxpayers’ money.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Congress ignores calls for tax reform; Political families teach service
Letters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of May 14, 2012: The responsibility for long-term fixes to the tax code rests with the US Congress, but the code has increased by 13,564 over the past eight years. Political families aren't un-American dynasties; they're examples of service.
6 ways parents can cut college costs It's not too late to reduce the cost of sending your son or daughter to college. Putting aside well-known strategies like having your child apply for niche scholarships, excel at a sport, start at a community college, or get a perfect score on the SAT, here are 6 strategies parents can employ.- A Christian Science PerspectiveBreaking down walls that divide
A Christian Science perspective.
Riding the whirlwindThe Monitor's intrepid science writer rode with the storm-chasers who help federal forecasters warn those in twisters' paths.
With Iran, Syria looming, can Obama save NATO from disaster at Chicago summit?The 2010 NATO Summit in Lisbon produced a bold vision for NATO’s future. With one week to the Chicago summit, not nearly enough progress has been made. To avoid the Chicago summit ending up as a total bust, Obama must push NATO leaders to address three key issues.
- With Iran, Syria looming, can Obama save NATO from disaster at Chicago summit?
The 2010 NATO Summit in Lisbon produced a bold vision for NATO’s future. With one week to the Chicago summit, not nearly enough progress has been made. To avoid the Chicago summit ending up as a total bust, Obama must push NATO leaders to address three key issues.
The Monitor's ViewWhat next for JPMorgan Chase and Jamie Dimon after $2 billion lossThe JPMorgan Chase $2 billion loss again shows why big banks pose a big risk – as seen in the admission of mismanagement by Jamie Dimon. The selfless purpose of a financial system in the economy must override the selfish risks of giantness in banks.
OpinionWhat Mitt Romney should be saying to women voters this Mother's DayPolls show Mitt Romney trailing President Obama among women voters. This Mother's Day, to close the gender gap Romney will need to do more than flag Obama's failed economic record. He needs to push policies that appeal to women, like more workplace flexibility and better child care.
