All Commentary
The Monitor's ViewHomes for the homeless: a smart investment in dignityDespite a recent rise in poverty, homelessness is down. One reason? Providing a residence for the homeless creates enough self-respect for them to deal with underlying issues.
OpinionAfter 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.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveLook to the starsA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewTake steroids out of college footballAn in-depth investigation shows that despite avowals to the contrary, college football programs are rife with the use of illegal steroids. A tougher stand is needed.
OpinionChristmas 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.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Should Obamacare honor the rights of individuals or institutions?Letters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of December 24, 2012: Government shouldn't privilege the teachings of one religion over another on any part of health-care access. And equating women's access to health care with an impingement on religious liberty is a distraction.
- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveFrom juvenile hall: a Christmas to rememberA 海角大神 Science perspective.
Who needs church?The purpose of church may not be apparent in everyday life. But there comes a moment when we all wonder if everyday life is all there is. Church is waiting to help answer that question.
The Monitor's ViewThe NRA call for armed guards in schoolsThe NRA's call for gun-carrying guards in schools shows it joins with other Americans in caring even more about children after the Sandy Hook shootings. But history also shows violence declines when children are taught how to counter violence by means other than violence 鈥� such as caring for others.- A 海角大神 Science Perspective'Does God need me?'A 海角大神 Science perspective.
OpinionSandy 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.
The Monitor's ViewKids and digital media: removing the fearsReports of Adam Lanza's war-game obsession and the new FTC rules on children's online privacy help refocus concerns on the effects of digital media on children. But parental anxiety can be channeled toward solutions.
OpinionObama 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.
OpinionIsrael'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.- OpinionSandy 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.
- A 海角大神 Science PerspectivePeace among enemiesA 海角大神 Science perspective: The Christmas truce during World War I holds lessons for us today.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Democracy needs better media; Israel's right to defend itselfLetters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of December 17, 2012: The media needs to do a better job providing citizens with dependable, unbiased information. Regarding the latest conflict in Gaza,聽Israel only decided to fight back after Hamas attacks became unbearable.
The Monitor's ViewChristmas in Newtown: restoring childlike innocenceA big Christmas tree in Newtown, Conn., has become a memorial site for the Sandy Hook children killed at their elementary school. Many faiths use a Christmas-like embrace of an innocent child to help them in troubled times and restore the promise of purity.
OpinionWill 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.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveHow I prayed through tragedy when my dad was killedA 海角大神 Science perspective: An offer of comfort to families after the Sandy Hook shootings.
