All Commentary
OpinionLong live the purity of seeds for broccoliThe majority of the world's seed for broccoli, cauliflower, and similar veggies is produced in Oregon's Willamette Valley. But the seeds can be easily contaminated by pollen from canola, which the state recently allowed in the valley. The legislature must ban the canola.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveComforting BostonA 海角大神 Science perspective: The bombings at the Boston Marathon Monday afternoon left a city seeking comfort.聽
The Monitor's ViewAlternative currencies like bitcoin are a mirror of their usersThe e-currency bitcoin spiked and then fell last week, sowing doubts about alternative currencies, whether on the Internet or in local communities. Such experiments need a firm basis of trust.
OpinionImmigration reform needs flexibility on work visasThe US system for work visas hasn't changed much since 1965, despite fluctuations in the economy and in demand for foreign workers. Immigration reform must include more flexibility. One way is to create an independent body that regularly advises Congress on visa limits.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveOn race day, qualities over quantitiesA 海角大神 Science perspective. How does the Boston Marathon bring spiritual qualities to light?
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Video games foster unthinking acts; Marxism endures in ChinaLetters to the Editor for the April 15, 2013 weekly print issue:聽Video games train people to respond without thinking 鈥� the same motor memory employed in firing a gun. And聽in spite of China's capitalist boon, cardinal Marxist axioms are still deeply embedded in Chinese political ideology.
The Monitor's ViewLooking for Obama's agenda in SyriaAs killings in Syria worsen, more people look to Obama for action. But the mental preparation for action doesn't start with the White House.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveFeel the reviving warmth of springA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewIs an end to war-time rape at a tipping point?The G8 nations agreed Thursday to a British plan to go after those who rape in war zones, hoping to end this atrocity as a weapon in conflicts. Perhaps this big-power move will mark a historic shift in ending a global problem.
Why we're hard-wired for best practicesWhether on Capitol Hill or in isolated desert communities, people tune into each other to find out what works. The adoption of "best practices" seems to be embedded in human nature.
OpinionOpponents of Medicaid expansion put politics over peopleThe rejection by several Republican-led states of the Affordable Care Act鈥檚 Medicaid expansion to provide health care access to millions of America鈥檚 poor isn鈥檛 just partisan politics; it鈥檚 immoral. It鈥檚 not too late to press state leaders to put people ahead of partisanship.
OpinionImmigration reform needs consensus on flow of foreign laborThe US must adjust the future flow of immigrants 鈥� low-skilled guest workers and educated foreigners alike. Immigration reform must include incentives for legal immigration, recognize the employment needs of US citizens, and create a flexible system that can adjust over time.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveAfraid of flying?A 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewA path to peace in land, resource disputesA Taiwan-Japan agreement on fisheries near the Senkaku islands sets a model for China in avoiding dangerous moves on island claims.
OpinionObama must throw North Korea a curve ball 鈥� a helping US handThe US can exploit Pyongyang and Kim Jong-un's pride by shelving the nuclear issue for now, engaging in talks, and offering substantial aid and investments that boost North Korea's economy and helps its people 'help themselves.' This can break the cycle of threats and blackmail.
OpinionSenate deal on background checks aside, outdated tracing system hurts gun controlThough Sens. Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey have reached a deal on background checks, a key piece of the White House鈥檚 gun control plan is still at risk of failure. The federal government is using 1960s era technology to trace guns used in crimes. The system must be updated.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveSpiritual light on economic woesA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewAre gun politics too complex? Simplicity would help.As the Newtown families plead for Congress to act, lawmakers 鈥� and President Obama 鈥� admit to the complexity of gun issues. Scholars on simplicity offer some ideas.
OpinionTo break the cycle of North Korea threats, US must put Kim on his heelsTo break the cycle of threats from North Korea, the United States must take a much more assertive stance. Leader Kim Jong-un must be put on the defensive by sending him a clear warning of preemptive action if America and its allies find themselves threatened.
OpinionEqual Pay Day: Raising minimum wage will help women 鈥� and the economyWomen 鈥� and their families 鈥� are disproportionately affected by the low US minimum wage.聽Equal Pay Day serves as a stark reminder of that reality.聽Raising the minimum wage would boost the economy, and it would help close the gender wage gap.
