OtherWords

OtherWords is a free, non-profit editorial service published by the Institute for Policy Studies. Each week, OtherWords distributes a batch of publication-ready op-eds, along with a cartoon, to thousands of readers — including hundreds of editors of small and medium-sized newspapers. Each year, these op-eds appear thousands of times in local newspapers throughout the country, as well as in a growing number of online outlets. We believe that strong social movements need informed citizens, and that people learn best from conversations in their own communities — neighbor-to-neighbor. But between a consolidated, corporate-controlled mass media and a deafening social media echo chamber, it’s gotten harder than ever to have these conversations, especially in smaller communities with few local media options.

Through OtherWords, we’re able to provide millions of readers in America’s heartland with intelligent commentary on a range of progressive causes — on climate, inequality, war and peace, the movements for race and gender justice, and beyond. Through the trusted local papers that use our service, we reach readers in red, blue, and purple states alike with well-written, timely commentaries on the national issues that affect their lives. To read our work or get information about publishing it in your community, check out OtherWords.org.

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Latest Work

Obama’s Inauguration Didn’t End American Racism

Having an African-American president hasn’t exactly ushered in a period of racial harmony.

Seismic Inequality

Why Chile fared better than Haiti after earthquakes struck both countries.

Limbaugh Loves Universal Health Coverage

Obama’s reform passed, yet Limbaugh has not kept his pledge to deport from our shores.

Monopolies Are Killing Our Farms

Agribusiness mergers in the last 20 years have placed the majority of the world’s food in the hands of a small number of corporations.

Church’s Sex Abuse Scandal Reflects Deep Flaw

There’s a systemic flaw in the way the Church does things, involving hundreds of priests and thousands of victims of abuse, mainly children.

Eternal U.S.-Cuba Tensions Leave Families Weary

The honeymoon is over between Presidents Obama and Castro.

Nuclear Weapons: A Dangerous Relic

Neither the United States nor Russia needs Cold War-era numbers of nuclear weapons.

School Resegregation

With schools again becoming more segregated, one plus one doesn’t equal two anymore.

Yes, Virginia, Slavery Happened

Governor McDonnell apologizes for honoring Confederate “sacrifice” and ignoring slavery.

GAP Files Complaint Against World Bank Agency

A watchdog group alleges unethical behavior by the World Bank’s “institutional integrity” department.

Investing in Green Energy

Here’s one way to address the climate crisis.

Retire Ronald

The fast food industry and its leading man undermine our health.

Obama and Obesity

Michelle Obama: Oh Great. While I’m out killing myself educating America about eating in moderation, you’re busy further feeding the overfed (insurance companies).

Don’t Mess with Georgia’s Brown Thrasher

There’s a campaign to declare the chicken–the state’s cash cow–the State Bird.

Hope Dims for Electricity Reform

Basically, change is slow, slow, slow.

Reverse the Tax Shift

When rich individuals and corporations don’t pay their fair share, the bills get passed to the middle class.

It’s Time to Fight Childhood Obesity

As many as 80 percent of overweight children may experience a lifetime of increased health risks.

Sick and Fired

All workers should have access to earned sick leave when they need it.

Let’s Hear from Candidates–Not their Spokespeople

Can journalists give the people the information we need to make rational decisions in elections anymore?

It’s not Government’s Size, It’s the Stupidity

There are few things more powerful than a bad idea that gets made into legislation.