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

Bitter Chocolate

Let’s sweeten it for everyone by helping stamp out child slavery and other abusive labor conditions.

A Worthy Goal: Feeding all our Children

The Obama administration has pledged to end child hunger in America by 2015.

U.S. Glass

American pride! (Made in China).

Save Winter: Stop Tar Sands

Oil sands are now Canada’s fastest-growing source of global warming pollution.

As Death Nears, Be Prepared to Suffer

For those whose life has simply grown unlivable, help is in order.

Seeing China from the New World Trade Center

There should be a stiff tariff on all subsidized glass coming from China.

Wall Street Gets It

They’d keep laughing all the way to the bank, except they are the bank.

The Kids are All Right

Millennials aren’t taking to the streets as often as their predecessors, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t paying attention.

Next, We’ll Sell Senate Seats to Exxon Mobil and AT&T

Our democracy has been in decline for some time but this decision closes the books on it.

Record Bank Profits and the American Dream Foreclosed

Washington is refusing to make the banks eat the debt bubble they created.

New American Crisis

This could mark the end of the American experiment in self-government.

Boondoggle Sidetracks Crops for Renewable Energy

The government should be strategic with biomass crops instead of just throwing money at the problem.

Let’s Pretend to Do Something about Climate Change

What we need now is a serious incentive to pollute less.

Selling a City’s Soul, for Chicken Feed

The company’s graffiti is an act of crass commercialism.

Free at Last

The Supreme Court okays unlimited political donations and deems corporations to be “people.”

Afghanistan: This War Won’t Work

The reasons for ending the war are growing, and justifications are few.

Health-Care Reform: A Good Start

Our new system will bring the United States more in line with the other industrialized nations.

A Global Game that Never Ends

Look at our world atlas to see where America’s tax dollars and troops are headed next.

Keep Humans Out of Space

If such a spasm of thriftiness deprives America of the power to destroy any target on Earth, the whole world will rest easier.

Massachusetts: The Democrats Blew It

The only sound worse than a Democrat whining about a loss is a Republican crowing about victory.