All Commentary
Global ViewpointRemembering Fang Lizhi: 'hero of the people,' hated by China's regimeFellow dissident Wei Jingsheng pays tribute to Fang Lizhi, who inspired pro-democracy students in China. Fang warned in 2010: 'Regardless of how widely China’s leaders have opened its market to the outside world, they have not retreated even half a step from their repressive political creed.'
OpinionA weakened Putin is questioned abroad, under siege at homeRussia's President-elect Vladimir Putin may have won the presidential election, but he lost Moscow. And he faces an engaged, active generation that did not grow up as Soviets. Political legitimacy is more than an official election result; it requires trust.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveImmigration and a way to see one another
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewAs Syria killings rise, a plea for world conscienceAs a UN cease-fire effort in Syria fails with more killings – and the Syrian Army fires into Turkish territory – an end to the violence will require greater appeals to conscience. Will Russia listen?
John Hughes‘Spring’ delayed as Cuba follows China's modelPope Benedict XVI’s call for 'authentic freedom' during his recent visit to Cuba is unlikely to spur democracy. But other factors suggest economic changes are under way, patterned after the Chinese example, namely creating a market economy under an authoritarian, communist political system.
- John Hughes‘Spring’ delayed as Cuba follows China's model
Pope Benedict XVI’s call for 'authentic freedom' during his recent visit to Cuba is unlikely to spur democracy. But other factors suggest economic changes are under way, patterned after the Chinese example, namely creating a market economy under an authoritarian, communist political system.
OpinionHow Apple, Foxconn, and others can address labor abuses in overseas factoriesWhy do we keep hearing about labor abuses in overseas factories like those of Apple-supplier Foxconn? Auditing and inspections are inadequate to solve the problem. Requiring companies to examine and publicly report on risks along their supply chains can help eliminate violations.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveComfort in the aftermath of suicide
A Christian Science perspective: The suicide in Athens was a reminder to many of the degree of desperation some people are feeling. How can prayer help?
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Freedom of – or freedom from – religion?
Letters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of April 9, 2012:
The Monitor's ViewA Romney-Rubio ticket? Not if Hispanics don't see themselves as Hispanic.A Romney-Rubio presidential ticket may play well to the notion of a "Hispanic vote." But a Pew poll shows why that idea falls flat.
OpinionAnother anniversary for the overlooked Mrs. Dred ScottApril 6 marks a key date in one of the most divisive cases in the US Supreme Court's history. The Dred Scott vs. Sanford ruling led the nation into the Civil War. Dred’s name remains well known. Lost is the story of his wife, Harriet, whose cause gives the case its greater meaning.
Walter RodgersFaith tourist: From Easter at the Vatican to a South Pacific churchMy fascination with religious observances is ecumenical. I have recited my 'Allahu Akbars,' been blessed at Easter by the pope in St. Peter's Square, and recently attended a service in the South Pacific. Everywhere, I find a universal need for contemplation and self-surrender.
- Walter RodgersFaith tourist: From Easter at the Vatican to a South Pacific church
My fascination with religious observances is ecumenical. I have recited my 'Allahu Akbars,' been blessed at Easter by the pope in St. Peter's Square, and recently attended a service in the South Pacific. Everywhere, I find a universal need for contemplation and self-surrender.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveEaster's call to 'love your enemies'
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewConnecticut's wise move against the death penaltyA key vote in Connecticut against the death penalty means the state will likely join 16 other states in ending this harsh sentence. Practical reasons were cited for the move, but moral ones need to be argued to end capital punishment in the US.
OpinionTo protect freedom, US jurists must pardon terror suspects caught by entrapmentSince 9/11, the majority of criminal convictions in high-profile terror cases in the US relied on sting operations. In many, the FBI crossed the line into entrapment, luring penniless men and teenagers into sophisticated plots they never could have dreamed of on their own.
Global ViewpointWorld is ignoring most important lesson from Fukushima nuclear disasterFukushima's most important lesson is this: Probability theory (that disaster is unlikely) failed us. If you have made assumptions, you are not prepared. Nuclear power plants should have multiple, reliable ways to cool reactors. Any nuclear plant that doesn't heed this lesson is inviting disaster.
- Global ViewpointWorld is ignoring most important lesson from Fukushima nuclear disaster
Fukushima's most important lesson is this: Probability theory (that disaster is unlikely) failed us. If you have made assumptions, you are not prepared. Nuclear power plants should have multiple, reliable ways to cool reactors. Any nuclear plant that doesn't heed this lesson is inviting disaster.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveAfter a shooting, letting Love lead
A Christian Science perspective: Even in emotionally charged situations, such as the wake of Trayvon Martin's shooting, prayer comforts, uplifts, and unites.
The Monitor's ViewGoldilocks banks: not too big, not too greedyBritain launches the Big Society Bank to invest in social causes while China, Europe, and the US worry about big banks becoming big liabilities.
