All Perspectives
From the EditorsRussia's one-man brandLike too many Russian leaders, Vladimir Putin's long shadow makes it hard to see the real owners of Russia -- its people.
Difference MakerThey opened their home 鈥� and hearts 鈥� to South Africa's abandoned babiesChristo and Lanie de Klerk have founded the Baby Moses sanctuary for abandoned babies in South Africa.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Israel could be a threat and Obama should be praised on IranLetters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of May 7, 2012: John Bolton is wrong. Obama is protecting the US and world economy from a disastrous attack on Iran. It's Israel that has the nukes. And the best way to foment regime change in Iran is to support the opposition there.聽
Farmers' markets go onlineOnline ordering systems, like Arganica Farm Club in the mid-Atlantic, Green Bean Delivery in the Midwest, and SPUD in the Northwest, deliver fresh local produce to consumers.
Ethikus offers a Groupon-like service to find ethical, sustainable businessesNew York City startup Ethikus provides vouchers for small businesses whose practices embody principles of sustainability.
African farmers grow trees as a natural crop fertilizerIn Africa, planting trees along with corn in soil that is low in nitrogen can substantially increase corn production without expensive fertilizers. In a decade, the number of small farmers using Fertilizer Tree Systems has ballooned from a few hundred to more than 250,000.- From the EditorsHow the Monitor is doingThree years ago, the Monitor embarked on a bold strategy of Web-first journalism. We are making steady progress toward our goal of becoming self-sustaining.
- Readers RespondReaders Write: War fueled by defense lobby; Attack on Iran is legal; Catholics can't change faith for individual wishesLetters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of April 30, 2012: The 'appetite for war' is fueled by the arms聽lobby's appetite for profit; there's a key legal difference between a 'preemptive' and a 'preventive' attack on Iran; and Catholics don't force others to follow their beliefs, they simply demand First Amendment protections.
Mama Hope uses humor to change the West's view of AfricaNonprofit Mama Hope has released three videos that employ humor to create new perceptions of Africa and to show that it is full of capable people with the potential to support themselves. The aim is to create a new conversation about the continent and humanize the people who live there.
Difference MakerAn engineering mom leads effort to save an old-growth Russian forestYevgenia Chirikova found out a national forest was quietly being sold off. What she did to try to save it may change Russia forever.
A Kenyan woman stands up against a massive dam projectIkal Angelei is helping lead a campaign to stop construction of the Gibe III dam in Ethiopia that threatens the water supply and way of life of tens of thousands of indigenous people.- From the EditorsWhat makes The Monitor tick?A new book by Keith Collins examines more than a century of Monitor journalism and asks whether it is living up to its purpose.
From the EditorsThe 'long war' for energy securitySince the oil shocks of the 1970s, the US has been seeking energy independence. Now natural gas is seen as a possible solution. But at best it will probably only give Americans a breather while they look beyond hydrocarbons.
Looking for a few good boomers to help othersRetiring baby boomers are proving to be valuable volunteers. 'A part of paying for our spot on earth is to help those who need help,' says one.
Progress WatchUS air pollution hits 10-year low, report findsA report by the American Lung Association finds that air pollution has fallen to its lowest levels since the group began collecting data in 2000. The ALA credits the Clean Air Act.聽
Progress WatchFatal accident rate for US children and teens plunges since 2000Nationwide, the rate of unintentional deaths for children and teenagers fell 30 percent between 2000 and 2009, a recent report finds. Biggest reason: fewer fatalities per capita due to auto accidents.
Transition Towns moves communities beyond sustainability to resiliencyThe 320 Transition Town initiatives in 14 countries focus on urban agriculture, crowdfunding, and other social enterprises, using a 12-step model to organize a community toward a sustainable, resilient future.
Actor-activist Sean Penn says he's in Haiti for the long haulSean Penn's role in Haiti has evolved from heading a band of volunteers and serving as unofficial mayor of a homeless camp to becoming ambassador-at-large for President Michel Martelly, the first non-Haitian to receive the designation.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Religion should 'render unto Ceasar'; Obamacare debate misses markLetters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of April 23, 2012: Several readers argue that protecting religious freedom can't threaten individual rights. Another says the debate over Obamacare ignores the real issue with US health-care 鈥� skyrocketing costs.
Catherine Rohr helps ex-cons return to society by learning to start businessesFormer venture capitalist Catherine Rohr founded the nonprofit Defy Ventures to train ex-prisoners in the ethical and other demands of becoming legitimate entrepreneurs.
