All Commentary
4 reasons Abraham Lincoln wouldn't win the GOP nomination in 2012 Yes, Abraham Lincoln was America's first Republican president, and, yes, the GOP proudly calls itself the Party of Lincoln. But Bradley University sociology chair Jackie Hogan wonders: Could Lincoln win his party鈥檚 nomination in 2012? Considers his stance on some of the hot-button issues in the Republican primary race.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Wind turbines bad for earth, people; wrong US motives in AfghanistanLetters to the editor for the weekly print issue of February 20, 2012: One reader argues that large industrial wind turbines are inefficient, harmful to communities, and non-eco-friendly. Another sees no validation for the US staying in Afghanistan for economic reasons and influence.
The Monitor's ViewPrivacy for children who use mobile appsApp stores and developers are lapse in helping parents protect the privacy of a child using smart phones and tablets. From Google to Apple, finds an FTC report, clear information is needed.
Is Iran rational enough for MAD?From the 1940s until 1990, the threat of 'mutual assured destruction' terrorized the superpowers into avoiding nuclear war. Would MAD work if Iran gets the Bomb?
OpinionDoes Obama really care about religious freedom in America?Religious freedom in America is under attack from the right and the left. But the right of conscience is our greatest possession.聽If Obama genuinely supports religious liberty, he can offer his support for a constitutional amendment that would restore protection for religious rights.
OpinionWhy Samoas and Thin Mints strike fear in the hearts of Girl Scout parentsMy three daughters recently become Girl Scouts so I knew that selling cookies was in our future. In fact, I foolishly looked forward to it. After all, what could be more American?- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveYour specialness in God's eyesA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhich Iran is Obama dealing with?Events in recent days reveal two views of Iranian leaders: as either pragmatic to the pressure of sanctions or irrationally bent on terror and Israel's demise. So far, Obama is playing to Iranian rationality, reflected by the Iranian people.
OpinionAs violent Puerto Rican drug trade seeps into mainland US, Washington must actDrug trafficking is at the root of most of the 1,136 homicides perpetrated in Puerto Rico in 2011, the highest number ever recorded, exceeding even Mexico's murder rate.聽The Puerto Rican government cannot manage this crisis alone. Washington must intervene.
OpinionObama must support India-Pakistan rapprochementAmid all the bad news, there is a bit of hope in South Asia:聽India and Pakistan have restarted their peace dialogue, with greater economic engagement.聽The Obama administration should reinforce this effort, which would help US security interests in the region, especially in Afghanistan.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveBlack History Month and a celebration of unselfishnessA 海角大神 Science perspective.
8 ways to find common ground Gridlock plagues Washington. Polarizing soundbytes get constant play in the 24/7 news cycle. The culture wars rage on. But these Monitor op-ed writers suggest there鈥檚 more common ground than meets the eye. Here are eight powerful perspectives on the possibilities for meeting in the middle.
The Monitor's ViewYoung people, post recession: Ready to launch?Post-recession data and the government's pro-elderly policies don't give much hope to Millennials. Yet they remain surprisingly optimistic.
Global ViewpointWill China's Communist Party prove James Madison wrong? Unlikely.Ruling in China used to be like hammering a nail into wood. Now it is much more like balancing on a slippery egg. Whether the authorities can sustain their present balancing act seems doubtful.- Global ViewpointWill China's Communist Party prove James Madison wrong? Unlikely.Ruling in China used to be like hammering a nail into wood. Now it is much more like balancing on a slippery egg. Whether the authorities can sustain their present balancing act seems doubtful.
OpinionSyrians feel caught in an external power struggle, less willing to confront their ownSyrians聽feel caught in a proxy power struggle among the US, Gulf states, China, and Russia 鈥� who all seem more concerned with their interests and less with democracy for all. This external fight聽is preventing Syrians from making vital decisions about their own internal challenges.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveWait on the LordA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewMontana's challenge to 'super PACs'Montana's high court challenges the moral basis for the US Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling that spawned super PACs. The high court needs to rebalance free speech vs. democracy.
OpinionIndia's support for Iran threatens its US relationship and global leadership roleIndia's statement that it will continue to purchase oil from Iran is a major setback for the US attempt to isolate the Iranian government over the nuclear issue. It's also聽bitterly disappointing news for those of us who have championed a close relationship with India.
OpinionTwo cheers for super PACsSuper PACs aren鈥檛 the constitution-eating monsters critics have made them out to be. In fact, they engage voters in the democratic process. So why only two cheers? Loopholes prevent full transparency on where these groups get their funding. But Congress can fix that.
