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

Let’s End Torture in U.S. Prisons

Survivors call solitary confinement “living death.”

Will the Oil Market Drown in Its Own Supply?

The Iranian gusher means prices won’t rebound anytime soon.

How To Stop The Endemic Problem of Prisoner Abuse in Federal Prisons

Federal prison guards are brutalizing inmates, and too many are turning a blind eye.

How Ethanol Became a Wedge Issue in Iowa

As Donald Trump and Ted Cruz face off over ethanol, the argument is of far greater consequence for the climate than the 2016 presidential race.

Is President Obama Finally Abandoning His All-of-the-Above Energy Strategy?

As Nevada short-circuits its solar boom, the White House gets more committed to renewable energy.

Let’s Put Prison Sentences on Probation

Judges share the blame for America’s burgeoning incarcerated population.

13 Years After U.S. Occupation of Iraq Began, Threats to ‘Take Their Oil’

A breakdown of Donald Trump’s latest nonsensical sloganeering.

Outrage in Oregon

Taking over a federal building at the point of a rifle gives protest a bad name.

The GOP Candidates Know Nothing about Syria

Ending this imbroglio requires robust diplomacy.

Enstrictly Speaking, 2016 Could Be a Trailrazer

Trumpalist isn’t a word, at least not yet.

Congress has created an average of 50 new crimes per year for the past decade.

Not 50 new laws. Fifty new crimes. That’s criminal.

A Green and Dirty Gift

The GOP-led Congress rushed to help the Obama administration meet U.S. commitments under the Paris climate deal.

Working Until It’s Time for Your Grave

Like many Americans, my mom has no retirement savings.

Don’t Be a Fossil-Foolish Investor

The purely financial case for ditching oil, gas, and coal is getting stronger.

What the Red Cup Controversy Really Says about Christmas in America

What has modern American culture turned Christmas into?

Buy Today, Kill Tomorrow

Suspected terrorists can buy guns legally in the United States — and that’s how the NRA wants it.

A Big Fat Radioactive Lie

Billionaires are hyping nuclear power as a magic cure for climate change.

Why Justin Trudeau Makes Me Jealous of Canada

The new prime minister is championing inclusivity and tolerance.

Big Oil Can’t Go On Like This

The industry is scaling back to keep investors happy.

Is Denmark’s Democratic Socialism a Realistic Model for the U.S.?

Bernie Sanders’ presidential bid is putting Denmark on the map.