All Commentary
OpinionSuper Tuesday: Churches that embrace Santorum, Gingrich drive youth awayRick Santorum and Newt Gingrich (both Catholic) make regular campaign stops at evangelical churches and are often met with raucous applause. But such displays of partisan faith are partly responsible for the recent mass exodus of young people from Christian churches.
John HughesSticks and stones: the case for civility in American political discourseInstead of dogmatism and hysterical clamor, we need more of the 'Shields and Brooks' kind of civility in our public discourse in America.
- John HughesSticks and stones: the case for civility in American political discourse
Instead of dogmatism and hysterical clamor, we need more of the 'Shields and Brooks' kind of civility in our public discourse in America.
- A Christian Science PerspectiveWhat are your politics?
A Christian Science perspective: An 'ex-political junkie' provides some spiritual insight on issues surrounding Super Tuesday in the United States.
The Monitor's ViewHow to ignore thin fashion modelsA study in Europe links the fashion industry's use of super-thin models to the self-identity problems of many young women. The industry can do more to help girls find their true self-worth.
OpinionPutin election victory doesn't pave an easy path through his third presidential termBeyond mass protests in Moscow against what observers have confirmed as a fraudulent presidential election, several key demographic and economic factors mean that Russians will continue to contest the legitimacy of Putin's presidency during his third term.
OpinionRush Limbaugh 'slut' comment reveals a double standard on sexRush Limbaugh apologized for calling student Sandra Fluke a 'slut' for her views on contraception. His offensive remarks revealed an old double standard on sex: Only a 'coed' – that is, a female – can be promiscuous. The rest of us males are just taking what’s rightfully ours.
3 reasons not to attack Iran As tensions over a defiant Iran and its nuclear program escalate, the debate in Washington over preemptive military strikes heats up, even as Israel warns the US it may attack Tehran's nuclear facilities. Edward Haley, professor of international strategic studies at Claremont McKenna College, gives three reasons not to attack Iran:- A Christian Science PerspectiveCivility: a spiritual basis
A Christian Science perspective. Civility, rooted in a love for God and our neighbor, goes beyond just using polite language.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: China's communism is here to stay; Teaching is a successful career
Letters to the editor for the weekly print issue of March 5, 2012: One reader explains why Chinese communism isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Another complains that an op-ed's money-based definition of success unfairly labels teachers as unsuccessful.
Can debate get heated with no loss of cool?It is possible for people to debate one another on the issues that matter, and be 'playfully polite.'
The Monitor's ViewWar talk on Iran forces the issue: Is Israel a formal US ally?Obama and Netanyahu can't agree on a threshold for attacking Iran if they also lack clarity on whether the US and Israel are formal allies. Will Israel abandon its strategy of defense self-reliance?
OpinionRussian elections: US and Europe must rethink the 'reset'Vladimir Putin, who seems set to return to the presidency after Russian elections Sunday, looks to be tossing aside the reset in relations with the US and Europe. Were the West to continue to embrace the Kremlin, it would alienate Russians, especially reformers.
John HughesGOP candidates need to debate legalizing marijuanaAs GOP candidates debate values, I have not heard them address legalizing marijuana. The words of a narcotics agent ring in my ears: 'I can’t say every pot smoker goes on to get hooked on the hard stuff. But I can say every addict I know on the hard stuff got started on pot.'
- John HughesGOP candidates need to debate legalizing marijuana
As GOP candidates debate values, I have not heard them address legalizing marijuana. The words of a narcotics agent ring in my ears: 'I can’t say every pot smoker goes on to get hooked on the hard stuff. But I can say every addict I know on the hard stuff got started on pot.'
- A Christian Science Perspective'What's next?' or What's now?
A Christian Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewNorth Korea: When tests of trust turn global eventsA new pact between North Korea and the US will test the honesty of the regime's new leader, Kim Jong-un. Other countries, such as Iran and Greece, are also being tested because on their deceit.
OpinionRussian elections: Putin 4.0 at a crossroadsAfter Russian elections on Sunday, expect what amounts to a fourth term for Putin. But Putin 4.0 faces a tough choice. His KGB officer instincts call for tightening the grip. But Russia's future – and thousands of protesters – demand greater freedom and reforms.
Global ViewpointWTO chief Pascal Lamy: Competitiveness must drive European growthEurope is struggling to find its place in the new global economy because of 'domestic' issues, not external factors (like a rising China or trade disadvantages). On the contrary, the external climate favors European growth – if Europe can improve competitiveness and find its niche.
- Global ViewpointWTO chief Pascal Lamy: Competitiveness must drive European growth
Europe is struggling to find its place in the new global economy because of 'domestic' issues, not external factors (like a rising China or trade disadvantages). On the contrary, the external climate favors European growth – if Europe can improve competitiveness and find its niche.
