All Opinion
India gang rape: Why US should ratify UN treaty on women's rightsThe gang rape and death of a student in India, which has sparked protests there to change cultural views on women, should remind the United States why it鈥檚 high time to ratify the UN 'bill of rights' for women. American criticism of the treaty is based on misconceptions.
In 2013, nothing more important than protecting hopes for democracyThe world faces serious issues in 2013, including debt and climate change.聽But nothing is more important to international stability and human progress than the aspirations of people upending authoritarian rule in pursuit of self-government. A look at three cases: Egypt, Myanmar, Malawi.
New Year's resolution: Stop drunk driving with ignition locksThe New Year鈥檚 holiday contributes more alcohol-related traffic fatalities than any other day of the year. We challenge states to join our New Year鈥檚 resolution and require ignition interlocks for all those convicted of drunk driving. These devices work.
In fighting gangs, US should look to El SalvadorIn combating the MS-13 gang, the Obama administration should look to El Salvador, which has adopted a far less confrontational approach, and is seeing a drop in gang violence as a result. A negotiated 'truce' with gangs is possible in the US and Mexico.
Putin shows Russian insecurity in signing ban on US adoption of orphansRussia's ban on US adoption of orphans is retaliation for a US law that targets human-rights abusers in Russia. Moscow's response reveals one of its greatest weaknesses, a deep-seated national sense of insecurity. Now Russians themselves must demand better for their children.
Beyond the 'fiscal cliff': 6 reasons to be optimistic about America's future As Americans take stock of 2012 and gear up for 2013, it's tempting to adopt "decline think" about the country, especially since there is still no deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff" of steep budget cuts and tax increases. But here are six reasons Americans should still be optimistic about their future.
After Sandy Hook and Webster, N.Y., the real 'monster' only community can healAfter the Sandy Hook massacre in Newtown, Conn. and now the shooting ambush of firefighters in Webster, N.Y., public dialogue has focused on the world's evil. But the real 'monster' is the abuse and neglect that kills kids every day 鈥� stopped by strong communities, not guns.
Christmas shopping: A pink kitchen set and the 'buying local' dilemmaI wasted hours looking for a cheaper version online, when my dad was willing to pay more at the local store. He made me realize that I was all about 'buying local' until I had to shell out more money. I've learned:聽I can鈥檛 always pay more, but I don鈥檛 always have to pay less.
Sandy Hook exposes the logic gap in NRA's opposition to gun controlAfter Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, we hear arguments against gun control, chiefly that laws won't keep guns from evil-doers. But no one would argue that homicide laws have no place just because they can鈥檛 stop all killings. The point is, gun control will reduce carnage, if not stop it.
Obama must remind Vladimir Putin of human rights, religious freedom concernsUnder Vladimir Putin, Russia has passed a succession of anti-human rights laws curtailing freedom of expression, association, and assembly. Parliament might even pass a proposed blasphemy law that clearly would violate religious freedom. President Obama must speak out.
Israel's settlement push kills two-state solution, leaving Palestinians few optionsIsrael's settlement construction in the E1 corridor and East Jerusalem sends a clear message. Unless聽President Obama stands up to Israel, he and Benjamin Netanyahu should not be surprised if Palestinians charge them with the death of the two-state solution and seek other paths.- Sandy Hook: Mental health, not gun control, is the answer to mass shootingsIn the wake of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., a cry has gone up for gun control and ways to keep guns from people with mental illness. What we really need is to address the causes of these shootings 鈥� issues of mental health and social isolation.
Will John Boehner, President Obama master art of humility before 'fiscal cliff'?John Boehner and President Obama continue their 'fiscal cliff' tussle over tax increases and spending cuts. But negotiating requires a healthy dose of humility.聽America's Founding Fathers, especially Madison and Franklin, knew this lesson well. We should look to them for guidance.
New gun laws? Don't aim at only mass shootings like Sandy Hook.We only take notice when gun violence is sufficiently spectacular, such as at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. But on a typical day in the US, 33 people are murdered by guns, and 50 die in gun-related suicides. It's time to regulate.
As fiscal cliff approaches, don't be fooled by the great Nordic mythThe Nordic countries are some of the happiest and most prosperous, which many attribute to socialist policies. That's a myth.聽As John Boehner and President Obama's 'fiscal cliff' debate over spending cuts continue, lawmakers should remember that socialism did not spell prosperity.
Sandy Hook massacre: The NRA's gun 'rights' are a fabrication of modern timesIn the wake of Adam Lanza's massacre at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, let's try a grade-school exercise. True or false? For most of US history, Americans had broad gun rights. That's false. Until recently, individual gun rights were severely restricted 鈥� with NRA support.
'Fiscal cliff' cuts to job training for young people would cost taxpayers dearlyBecause of the 'fiscal cliff' John Boehner and other lawmakers are looking to cut spending. But failing to prioritize successful programs in education and job training for young people would cost taxpayers more in the long-run. America should be expanding, not defunding, those investments.
Madison never meant Second Amendment to allow guns of Sandy Hook shootingAdam Lanza's shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. renews debate over gun control. A close look shows that James Madison conceived the Second Amendment in a different time, under different circumstances, with different weapons.
Next time, US Senate should ratify UN disabilities treatyLast week, the US Senate voted down the UN disabilities treaty, despite a push from former GOP Senate Majority leader, Bob Dole. Critics say the treaty weakens parental rights and violates US sovereignty. Not so, and eight Republicans who crossed over to ratify, know that.
Is South Africa following the path of 'the strongman'?South Africa鈥檚 ruling party, the African National Congress, was once a post-apartheid hero. Now it is the latest caricature of African bad governance, and it no longer resonates with the people.聽At its upcoming meeting, the party must embrace internal debate and reject economic nationalism.
