All Editorials
Global ViewpointWhy China鈥檚 middle class supports the Communist PartyThose in the West commonly believe that economic growth and a burgeoning middle class in China will lead to democratic reform. But research on China鈥檚 middle class shows its lack of opposition to the Communist regime as well as some support for the party-state.
OpinionHow candidates can sidestep Supreme Court rulings on campaign financeAfter the Citizens United ruling, reformers worry the Supreme Court may further loosen campaign finance restrictions with this term's McCutcheon case. But there's a new way to聽limit money in politics:聽private agreements between candidates not to allow third-party campaign spending.- The Monitor's ViewWhat Obama must do for Syria peace talksAs he prepares for peace talks on Syria planned for November, President Obama can better help unite the anti-Assad, pro-freedom opposition with a clear vision of what the US supports.
How 'we the people' can end gridlock in WashingtonAmericans are not nearly as polarized as Congress and favor practical solutions. But the means they have for communicating with their representatives are no longer effective. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e starting a 'Citizen Cabinet' in every district so lawmakers really know voters' views.
How 'we the people' can end gridlock in WashingtonAmericans are not nearly as polarized as Congress and favor practical solutions. But the means they have for communicating with their representatives are no longer effective. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e starting a 'Citizen Cabinet' in every district so lawmakers really know voters' views.
3 ways you can have your voice better heard in CongressVoice of the People founder Steven Kull suggests three ways for Americans to have their voice better heard in Congress through an advisory 'Citizen Cabinet' in every congressional district.
3 ways you can have your voice better heard in CongressVoice of the People founder Steven Kull suggests three ways for Americans to have their voice better heard in Congress through an advisory 'Citizen Cabinet' in every congressional district.- The Monitor's ViewSaudi Arabia's challenge to the United NationsWhen Saudi Arabia refuses a seat on the powerful UN Security Council, does it say more about the UN or the royal House of Saud?
OpinionWar robots will lessen killing 鈥 not increase itStemming from fear that autonomous robots could embark on a campaign of indiscriminate killing, some have called for a global moratorium on 'lethal autonomous robotics.' In fact, there is a convincing base of evidence that robots are more likely to prevent slaughter than engage in it.- The Monitor's ViewInklings of a deal on Iran's nuclear programSubstantial talks between Iran and six world powers began with signs of hope for rapid progress. Even though the sides are far apart, the world must support these war-averting negotiations.
OpinionTo help John Boehner herd cats, bring back earmarks (and other ways to fix Congress)Three key reforms could improve governance in Congress and lessen the disunity that plagued Speaker John Boehner and the Republicans throughout the debt-ceiling and government shutdown debate. Congressional leaders need more influence over their members, not less.
To fix Washington, look to MexicoMexico's President Enrique Pe帽a Nieto鈥檚 political grand bargain among rival parties has helped usher in long-needed reforms. The US has something to learn from Mexico鈥檚 willingness to put country ahead of party.
To fix Washington, look to MexicoMexico's President Enrique Pe帽a Nieto鈥檚 political grand bargain among rival parties has helped usher in long-needed reforms. The US has something to learn from Mexico鈥檚 willingness to put country ahead of party.- The Monitor's ViewThe Senate deal's promise to AmericansThe best part of the Senate deal, devised to break Washington's logjam, is the promise of a joint congressional panel to make difficult budget compromises for fiscal sustainability. That may allay public fears of a debt tsunami.
Advice from Teddy Roosevelt as Congress heads toward debt, shutdown dealAs the Senate nears a budget deal to end the government shutdown and raise the debt ceiling, Theodore Roosevelt鈥檚 efforts to seek out fellow citizens across party lines and divisions of class, creed, and culture are a timely example for Washington's brinkmanship.
Advice from Teddy Roosevelt as Congress heads toward debt, shutdown dealAs the Senate nears a budget deal to end the government shutdown and raise the debt ceiling, Theodore Roosevelt鈥檚 efforts to seek out fellow citizens across party lines and divisions of class, creed, and culture are a timely example for Washington's brinkmanship.
OpinionHow infomercial inventors could help Congress end shutdownIf only the inventors of infomercial products like the Side Socket and Flex Seal could help Congress end the shutdown and extend the debt ceiling. Their American ingenuity would find the budget solution and sell it to us for $19.99 plus shipping and handling.- The Monitor's ViewPraise for those who cross shale's fault linesThe quality of the debate over whether or how to tap shale gas and oil may have turned a corner this year as more groups and states find consensus-seeking ways to deal with the hard issues.
OpinionSupreme Court must realize affirmative action doesn't improve educationAs the Supreme Court hears arguments in Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action today, my view聽as a University of Michigan Law School professor is worth considering: Racial diversity has virtually no effect on educational quality and isn't the real rationale for the policy.- Persistence is key to agreeing on parks use for immigrants, long-time residentsNearly 30 percent of residents in the city of El Cajon in California are foreign born. Many love to use city parks but have run into scheduling clashes with established activities. A dialogue was begun to resolve the conflict. Those involved learned the importance of persistent engagement.
