All The Monitor's View
China's real rise 鈥� in Wukan's village electionChinese residents in the coast village of Wukan rebelled last year and won the right to a free election. The rest of China watches to see if they, too, can demand democracy.
Eight reasons to 鈥榤ute鈥� super PAC ads First Iowa, now Florida, have seen the first wave of political TV ads from super PACs 鈥� mostly negative 鈥� that will smother the 2012 presidential elections. Voters have an easy way to avoid such ads: the mute button. Here are eight reasons to use it:
Obama, like Roberts, seeks harmony in WashingtonPresident Obama cites the military as a model for politics, similar to the aim of Chief Justice John Roberts for consensus on the Supreme Court. Why are both goals not working?
Candidates need antidotes to public anger, not angerA combative, angry mood hangs over the presidential races, reflecting public sentiments. But below the anger are emotions that do need to be addressed, with a calm debate of policy.
Make sure shale-gas boom doesn't go bustObama and GOP should unite in driving the use of this abundant gas as a 'bridge fuel' to renewable energy. But they must be cautious in rushing to tap shale gas.
Independence for Scotland: Nothing brave about itBreaking up countries, even peacefully, runs against the tide of history. Civic virtues can unite a people, despite their history and cultures.
A quality of mercy in Haley Barbour's pardonsAs he stepped down as Mississippi's governor, Haley Barbour pardoned more than 200 people, including some convicted of murder. His action, and the uproar over it, help ignite a useful debate on using mercy as a tool for justice.
Self-immolation as protest tactic rises in Tibet, Middle EastPolitical suicides by fire rise among many Tibetans and Arabs as their situations grow desperate. But such a tactic often fails to ignite protest, and itself raises questions.
One year after Egypt's revolution, dictators on the defensiveOn the one-year anniversary of Egypt's uprising, the world is less free because dictators reacted to the Arab Spring. But at least now they are on notice, forcing the issue of democracy.
Eight reasons to hit 'mute' during TV ads by super PACsFirst Iowa, now South Carolina, have seen the first wave of political TV ads from super PACs 鈥� mostly negative 鈥� that will smother the 2012 elections. Voters have an easy way to avoid such ads.
Web protests over piracy bills while China slaps Internet curbsLegislation in Congress aims to curb Web theft of intellectual property while Beijing cracks down on bloggers. Both nations must weigh the cost to creativity that leads to innovation.
Humanitarian acts as antidotes to warDisasters can cause even adversarial nations to enjoy heart-to-heart moments of compassion. Russia delivers emergency fuel to an Alaskan town; the US Navy rescued Iranian fishermen.
The fear factor in attacks on Romney's BainCampaign attacks on Romney's former investment firm only play to worker fears about jobs. Candidates should play to hopes that workers can adapt to a rapidly changing economy.
Supreme Court's historic but unfinished ruling for religious libertyThe high court endorses an exception for churches in discrimination suits by certain workers. But it has a hard time deciding how secular government can define what a religious worker is.
Rowdy politics aside, Americans are in a 'civics recession'The presidential primaries give the impression of sharp citizenship skills among Americans. But civics learning lags. Obama education officials plan to reverse it.
After New Hampshire primary: Will voters 'fire' Romney?Mitt Romney's comment on firing people only helps open a debate about 'traditional' economics. Even economists are torn 鈥� after being humbled by the Great Recession. Can politics fill the void?
Arab Spring justice 鈥� but a free pass for Yemen's SalehUnder a plan backed by Obama and Saudi Arabia, Yemen's interim cabinet agreed Sunday to amnesty for President Ali Abdullah Saleh in return for him stepping down. But democracy can't take root without rule of law.
Arabs, like others, don't buy into abuse of historic grievancesThe Arab Spring reflects a trend away from people accepting leaders who try to exploit the ancient wrongs of other countries for their own political or violent ends.
Obama military strategy: Is it bipartisan enough?President Obama needed a security strategy before asking for big budget cuts in defense. His plan from the Pentagon calls for America to take more risks, create a lean force, and focus on Asia. But he'll need buy-in from Congress to make it stick.
And the winner in Iowa is ... baby-kissing retail politicsSantorum's near-win over well-monied Romney is a victory for face-to-face campaigning 鈥� even democracy itself 鈥� as well as small-state presidential contests.
