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

What’s Driving America’s Flagging Vital Signs?

Inequality is behind the nation’s dismal life expectancy rates.

Anti-American Budget Cuts

You know things are bad when the Summer White House can’t afford to stay open on the Fourth of July.

This Week in OtherWords: July 10, 2013

We’re highlighting the debate over the Obama administration’s nuclear weapons policy.

Predistribute the Wealth

The market has stopped working for working people.

Syrian Dead End

How can the United States afford to keep proving that it’s bad at bringing peace to conflict-ridden Middle Eastern countries?

It Can’t Happen Here

Au pairs may get an experience they didn’t bargain for when they head for a stint in the United States.

The Tradeoff Between Apple and Apples

There would be no need for our elected leaders to trim our safety net if our richest corporations didn’t turn avoiding their fair share of taxes into an art form.

This Week in OtherWords: July 3, 2013

Sam Pizzigati celebrates Independence Day by explaining how reducing economic inequality in America would honor the Founders’ legacy.

A More Perfect Union

Our elites have lost that selfless spirit.

Minding the Nuclear Fault Line

The federal government should transfer the spent nuclear fuel held at a shuttered nuclear power plant in Southern California before the next earthquake strikes.

Battle of the Studies

Students shouldn’t be shamed for choosing one field of study over another.

DOMA’s Demise

When not being shooed off the courthouse steps by police, the crowd sang “God Bless America” and “Goin’ to the Chapel.”

Runaway CEO Pay Gets a Free Pass

The House Financial Services Committee has just moved to repeal the only statutory provision now on the books that puts real heat on overpaid top executives.

Today’s Mad Men

The military justice system needs a 21st century wake-up call.

Fair Elections, RIP

The Supreme Court’s Shelby ruling aids a Republican plan to win more elections without winning support from more voters.

This Week in OtherWords: June 26, 2013

Julian Bond calls on Congress to fix the mistakes the Supreme Court made in its ruling that gutted the Voting Rights Act.

This Week in OtherWords: June 19, 2013

Sam Pizzigati points out that the contracts our government doles out to private companies to snoop on us are making some corporate executives very rich.

A Deceptive Win on Plan B for Women

Our reproductive rights are still in danger.

Snooping Makes an Easy Road to Riches

Corporate execs at firms like Booz Allen have a vested self-interest in pumping up demand for their snooping services.

Locking Up Our Future

The logical fix would require putting more money and effort into securing jobs, transitional housing, and drug treatment for ex-offenders.