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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.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveA valentine message: 'All you need is love'A 海角大神 Science perspective: Valentine's Day or not, in God's love for each of His children, no one is left out.
Millennial generation: What's love got to do with it?Each generation approaches courtship and marriage differently. But even Generation Y, which is reticent about going to the altar, is looking for the same thing: a deep and fulfilling relationship.
The Monitor's ViewObama's needed rapport with China's XiXin Jinping will be in power for a decade, so his visit to the US must establish a trust that can help smooth growing differences and prevent confrontations.
OpinionOutrage over Egypt's arrest of NGO workers, but US would have done the sameThe outrage over Egypt's arrest of 43 NGO workers, at least 16 of whom are American, is understandable and well deserved. But it also speaks to a little acknowledged paradox: These organizations are conducting democracy-building work that would never be tolerated in the US.
OpinionTesla SUV with wings or not, we should kill the electric carEnvironmental groups are cheering:聽Tesla unveiled its newest fleet of electric vehicles this weekend, and California recently tightened its emissions standards. I was once enthusiastic about electric cars, too 鈥� as a聽solution to our environmental and energy challenges. I was wrong.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveMarriage: completeness sharedA 海角大神 Science perspective.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: Kids don't need fancy toys; Voters need IDLetters to the Editor from the weekly print issue of February 13, 2012: In response to the cover story 'Time to play,' one reader emphasizes the importance of children having unstructured time for creative play (especially in nature), not overstimulated by fancy toys. Another reader takes issue with the concern that requiring voters to have ID will deter minority and young voters.
The Monitor's ViewReasons for Obama to aid Syria 鈥� other than moral onesObama intervened in Libya for humanitarian reasons 鈥� to prevent a slaughter. Why not in Syria 鈥� to end actual killing? Perhaps he needs the reasons of a realist.
OpinionWhat a smart phone can't find: happinessI watched a basketball game with one of our sons the other night.聽Every time I made a comment or asked an off-handed question he went to his iPad to summon statistics or video clips. We didn鈥檛 experience the game together in real time; we processed it search by search.
OpinionHow an Obama shift helps unstable regimes get nuclear weaponsIn past nuclear cooperation agreements, the US has required nations to commit to not enriching uranium and opening nuclear sites to inspections. The Obama administration has just done away with the requirement. Congress needs oversight to combat this possibility of nuclear proliferation.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveNarcissism or the joy of unselfish living?A 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewThe Obama birth-control mandateThe president's health-care regulation expanding access to birth control, including abortion pills, impinges on churches that oppose abortion, especially Catholic ones, by narrowly defining their religious activity to teaching only. Government must be wary of determining where the works of faith end.
Walter RodgersMaggie vs. Gorby: the scene that 鈥楾he Iron Lady鈥� forgotThe scripted and unscripted confrontations between Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev were of such epic consequence they could not be condensed into film. Yet we do Britain鈥檚 first female prime minister a great disservice in omitting them.- Walter RodgersMaggie vs. Gorby: the scene that 鈥楾he Iron Lady鈥� forgotThe scripted and unscripted confrontations between Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev were of such epic consequence they could not be condensed into film. Yet we do Britain鈥檚 first female prime minister a great disservice in omitting them.
OpinionMissing: my Republican party. Please help me find it.I have been a life-long Republican (I first voted in 1968), but lately I seem to have lost my party, and I鈥檓 hoping you can help me find it. Let me describe it for you.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveIf the weight of the world feels overwhelmingA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewTalk to Hamas? Talk to Taliban? Thank the Arab Spring for those possibilities.The Arab Spring's message of freedom through nonviolence has isolated Iran and Syria, helped elevate moderate Islamists, and pushed radical groups to weigh alternatives.
John HughesBarack Obama: Hope, change, and contradictionBarack Obama is proving to be one of the most puzzling presidents. He bravely took out Osama bin Laden but hasn鈥檛 had the courage to tackle the deficit. And now he's picked a fight with Catholics 鈥� the majority of whom voted for him in 2008.- John HughesBarack Obama: Hope, change, and contradictionBarack Obama is proving to be one of the most puzzling presidents. He bravely took out Osama bin Laden but hasn鈥檛 had the courage to tackle the deficit. And now he's picked a fight with Catholics 鈥� the majority of whom voted for him in 2008.
