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

Trump Was Born on Third Base

The stories politicians tell about their successes matter — including the ones they omit.

Black Youth and Elusive Freedom

As I weep over the death of America’s black men, I remember my brother’s struggle for his freedom against unnecessary police searches.

Clinton’s Surprising Debate Stumble on Trade

Bad trade deals created the social rot Trump is exploiting today. Why does Hillary defend them?

Another For-Profit College Folds

The closure of ITT Tech should be a warning to other educational institutions looking to make a dime at the expense of students.

The Anti-pipeline Movement is Gathering Steam

From Standing Rock North Dakota to Kentucky, residents are fighting big oil and gas.

America’s Racial Wealth Divide Is Nothing Short of Shocking

It would take the average black family 228 years to accrue the same amount of wealth that white families have today.

The Sacrifice Muslim Soldier Khan Shouldn’t Have Had To Make

Clinton’s rhetoric on the Muslim world might be friendlier than Trump’s, but her record is much bloodier.

My Mother, Stopped for Driving While Black

When the police pulled their guns on my middle-aged mom, a white motorist pulled up to tell them what a good job they were doing.

I Can’t Watch Another Police Killing

Shocking videos will come and go, but systemic police violence will continue regardless of whether we’re watching — and it demands a systemic solution.

The American Dream Moved to Canada

We’re witnessing accelerating advantages for the affluent and compounding disadvantages for everyone else.

America’s Huge Racial Wealth Gap Is No Accident

For the first time, Democrats are acknowledging America’s deep racial wealth gap — Here’s how we can start to close it.

African Americans Are Still Treated as Second-Class Citizens By the Law

The infamous Dred Scott Supreme Court ruling once denied African Americans any and all rights as human beings. Has anything changed?

Banks Make Millions Playing Games with Your Accounts

As Americans are desperately trying to juggle their finances, bank CEOs are maximizing their profits through overdraft fees.

Why ISIS Must Love Trump

While Muslims prayed for Orlando, the GOP nominee urged his followers to reach for their guns.

The Real Reason Republicans Are Going after the IRS

It’s simple: a weak IRS helps the wealthy avoid paying taxes.

The Awesomely Affluent are Cheating Average Americans of More Than $400 Billion a Year in Federal Taxes

Congress needs to subject the super rich to the same reporting and withholding standards as the rest of us.

A Commencement Address for the Most Indebted Class Ever

The average debt for a college graduate is $37,000 and the system is trying to squeeze you harder than any generation before. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Onshore Tax Havens

American elites don’t have to go to Panama to hide their money — they can go to Delaware.

Inequality Will Get Worse Until There’s a Revolution

America’s wealth concentration has increased tenfold since Bill Clinton first ran for president.

The Death Gap is Widening With the Wealth Gap

The richest Americans now live 10-15 years longer than the poorest.