All Commentary
OpinionObamacare faces new legal challenge: Its 'tax' still violates the ConstitutionThe Supreme Court saved Obamacare by deeming the law's individual mandate a 'tax.' But in that case, the law violates the聽Constitution's Origination Clause, which says all tax bills must originate in the House, not the Senate. Letting the law stand sets a dangerous precedent.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveLearning to love themA 海角大神 Science perspective: Facing the temptation to make generalizations about those 'not like us'
The Monitor's ViewIn China and US, a values upheaval as economies slowAs the economy slows, Beijing leaders try to push a 'China dream.' In the US, the 'American dream" has shifted to a desire for economic security. The two global giants need watching as their values norms shift.
OpinionSmoking gun in West, Texas, fertilizer blast: lack of government oversightWhile the cause of the blast in West, Texas, is still undetermined, what is clear is that the West Fertilizer Company stored large quantities of reactive products in the middle of a small town with little state or federal oversight. Citizens must be empowered to act when regulators don't.
OpinionReminder from Boston Marathon bombings: A need to integrate immigrant childrenThe Boston Marathon bombings could not have been foreseen in the case files of 聽8-year-old asylum seeker, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev,聽and his 15-year-old brother, Tamerlan. What should be questioned is whether US authorities do enough to integrate immigrant children once they arrive.
After the Marathon bombings: a new resolveThe globalization of ideas via the Internet, air travel, and migration is profoundly affecting the world. In once-isolated communities, exposure to the new and different can prompt a reaction of anger, fear, even terrorism. But the tide of freedom and human dignity is immensely more powerful -- and ultimately unstoppable.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveToward stopping abuse of women and girlsA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewOf one mind about chemical weapons and protecting the innocentProbable evidence of chemical-gas use in Syria may soon force world leaders to intervene. Their decision should be based on a principle enshrined in a global ban of such weapons 鈥� a respect for the innocence of civilians in not being harmed by this indiscriminate tool of war.
OpinionBoston bombings: Come together, right now, on social mediaAfter the Boston bombings, we, as Americans, rose together in a time of tragedy. Social media accelerated our camaraderie faster than ever. It can sustain it further still, despite some of the downsides of this technology.
OpinionThe resurgence of vinyl records: why analog lives onVinyl sales are up, while CDs continue their downward slide. Like most boomers,聽I hauled my last turntable to Goodwill back in the 鈥�80s. I recently bought another to hear my son鈥檚 new album, released on vinyl.聽Vinyl becomes personal in a way that digital music never does.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveMoving from fear to trustA 海角大神 Science perspective: How can we feel safe in today's world?
The Monitor's ViewIn a gathering of presidents, a model for WashingtonFive current and past US presidents met Thursday for the dedication of the George W. Bush presidential library The conviviality and civility should set a standard for politicians.
OpinionTo nudge Iran talks, new UN resolution neededUN Security Council resolutions that Iran must stop 'all' enrichment activities are outmoded, unrealistic, and hurt the Iran talks. A new resolution should promise to lift sanctions if the parties reach a reasonable agreement on Iran's nuclear program.
OpinionBoston bombings and a Muslim identity crisisThe Tsarnaev brothers had a jumbled identity. I know, because I also had one as a Muslim immigrant to the United States. The challenge of the Boston bombings is for Muslim communities and law enforcement to help create a generation of Muslims with an American identity.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectiveStop the hate; start the loveA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewWhat history should record of the Boston bombingsJust as memorable as the Boston bombings was the shared, collective response. Yet the focus remains on divisions, such as classifying the bombers by their background and motives. Isn't the display of shared humanity just as important?
OpinionDeath penalty: A pragmatic case for repealMomentum in the states is shifting toward the repeal of the death penalty. There are practical reasons for this: The death penalty is expensive, it does not work, and it is administered with a clear racial bias. Repealing it is a matter of justice, public safety, and effective governance.- A 海角大神 Science PerspectivePrayer and first respondersA 海角大神 Science perspective.
The Monitor's ViewEurope's ideals win a Serbia-Kosovo pactAn agreement approved Monday by Serbia and Kosovo will put an official end to 1990s genocidal conflict. It also serves as a model for ending other conflicts driven by ethnic, religious, and land disputes.
OpinionAfter Boston bombings: Beware Russia-US cooperation on counter-terrorismAfter the Boston bombings, Russian President Putin and US President Obama announced closer cooperation on counter-terrorism. But Americans should have their eyes wide open about any counter-terrorism agreements with Russia.