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

The Dropped Ball

While the White House and much of the media spun the hurried late-night move as a victory for the middle class, it was a win paid for with new tax cuts worth hundreds of billions of dollars for America’s wealthiest families.

Gun Ownership Is a Hobby, Not a Right

Sure, some people can use guns safely. Some people can also smoke crack safely, drink and drive safely and handle explosives safely. We don’t let them because too many other people can’t.

Our Great Fiscal Opportunity

This is a chance for the American public to engage in a critical debate over national priorities.

This Week in OtherWords: Kaul Writes Again and Richardson Becomes Our Newest Weekly Columnist

We’ve revamped our website, making it more user-friendly and easier to access on mobile devices.

This Week in OtherWords: 12-12-12

Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to OtherWords this holiday season.

Ripe for Reduction

The pending budget deal must include long-overdue military spending cuts.

Our National Failure to Commit

The Senate hasn’t approved any major multilateral treaties since 1997.

Jobs or the Environment?

Soon it will be too late and we’ll have neither.

Billionaires with No Skin in the Game

If the top two percent is up in arms about losing their Bush tax cuts, why aren’t they generating any street heat?

In Fact, Fairly Taxing the Rich Won’t Scare Them Away

Recent research debunks some of the most common arguments against raising taxes on the richest Americans.

The Airline Industry’s Fee-for-All

Nearly every airline these days is addicted to fees.

Fly the Stingy Skies

Oh, I almost forgot the rest room fee.

Our Health Care System is Still Sick

The health industry is about making money, not healing.

This Week in OtherWords: Fiscal Swindle Special Edition

At least $881 billion in creative revenue-raisers and spending cuts belong on the table.

Mother Nature Belongs at the Bargaining Table

Throwing the nation over the climate cliff will make our current fiscal challenges look like a minor bump in the road.

Snake-Oil Deficit Savings

Like things you spot in your side-view mirror, many of the budget numbers flitting around the debt talks are larger than they appear.

The Fiscal Hoax

Don’t believe the cliff hype.

For Pete’s Sake, What’s Happened to Our Democracy?

One billionaire has the wherewithal to totally redirect America’s political discourse.

Dodging the Fiscal Swindle

With a little creativity, we can easily balance the budget without cutting Social Security.

Solving the Twinkie Murder Case

Equity hucksters plundered the company to feather their own nests.