All Commentary
OpinionA shift away from zero tolerance will improve school disciplineZero tolerance for bad behavior is common in American schools, but this policy has often proved ineffective, even harmful to students and schools. The tide is turning. A method that relies on communication between students, teachers, and others improves accountability and school safety.
OpinionWhat Netanyahu's meddling in US election means for Obama, Romney, and diplomacyIsrael's Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the United Nations General Assembly today, where he is expected to reiterate his demands that President Obama set 'red lines' for Iran. It appears Netanyahu is meddling in US presidential elections, fueling rifts with Obama to favor Mitt Romney.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveTo soften the avenger's heartA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhy NFL referees must be model judgesThe 'bad' NFL referee call in the 'Monday Night Football' game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers puts a spotlight on those among us whom we elevate as truth tellers and judges.
OpinionFor Obama, reality meets idealism in ties with Muslim worldJust as he did in his groundbreaking speech in Cairo in 2009, President Obama this week articulated the need for 'mutual interest and mutual respect' between Muslims and Americans. His idealism, though, has run into reality. He must adjust if he wins a second term.
3 views on what the US should do about Iran's nuclear program Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addressed the United Nations General Assembly Wednesday, saying Iran is under a "continued threat by the uncivilized Zionists." As the fourth installment of our One Minute Debate series for election 2012, three writers give their brief take on what the United States should do about Iran's nuclear program.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveDifficult is not impossible!A 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewHow Obama, Romney foreign policies are alikeWhile they differ on issues like Iran and China, Obama and Romney are alike in not having a foreign policy that would inspire Americans to build a strong economy.
OpinionYemen needs a US reset, not a retreatLast week's violent anti-US protests underscore the need for greater US engagement in Yemen.聽The country's economic, political, and security future hinges on alleviating humanitarian needs, addressing their root causes, and fostering an inclusive political transition.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveThe healing power of songA 海角大神 Science perspective. A conductor tells how she directed her orchestra of young musicians to follow this counsel from Leonard Bernstein: 鈥淭his will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before.鈥�
The Monitor's ViewToday's democracy heroes are in the fiscal trenchesThe West's years of unsustainable promises on spending are hardly a model of democracy. When elected leaders, such as Rhode Island treasurer Gina Raimondo, tell the truth on how to rein in costs, they are democracy's heroes.
OpinionRomney needs Hispanics more than they need himRomney doesn鈥檛 grasp that playfully wishing he were Mexican-American is offensive to many Hispanics. His view of the Hispanic electorate seems simplistic and out of touch with the Latino experience.聽Hispanics do not vote based on ethnicity; we vote on policy.
3 views on how US should combat illegal immigration For the third installment in our One Minute Debate series for election 2012, three writers give their brief take on how the United States should combat illegal immigration: 'tighten up,' 'loosen up,' and 'another way.'
Balancing food, weather, and populationThe drought that has hit the United States and other grain-producing nations could be global warming or just a one-season aberration. But while weather fluctuates year to year, global population doesn't. And that means that feeding 9 billion mouths by 2050 will require unprecedented effort.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Grading teachers isn't enough; Teachers deserve useful evaluation and support.Letters for the Editor for the September 24 weekly print issue: When done with teacher buy-in, multiple measures, and meaningful professional development, teacher evaluation benefits entires school systems. Should teachers be graded? Yes. And so should parents, administrators, school boards, communities, and students. Evaluation shouldn't begin and end with teachers.
- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveGlobal hunger: What can I do?A 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhen campaign politics turn vicious, what voters can doAs the 2012 campaigns settle into a pattern of personal attacks, voters need not be passive, or even resigned. The can demand civility.
OpinionA sure-fire place to cut the US defense budgetThe US Department of Defense has said that the air-defense program known as MEADS will never be operational. Yet Defense Secretary Leon Panetta insists that Congress reinsert $400 million in the defense budget for the program. Amazingly, Congress is falling for his line.
OpinionCould Myanmar (Burma) have Southeast Asia's first 'green president'?President Thein Sein still has a long way to go in assuring citizens, investors, and international donors that the country is on the right track, but with the right development assistance, Myanmar has the chance to succeed in sustainable development where many of its neighbors have failed.- A 海角大神 Science Perspective'You looked so much happier then.'A 海角大神 Science perspective.
