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

Gender Gap

No contraception, no child care, no equal rights, no abortion.

This Economy Stinks Worse than You Think

Too many top economic commentators are drawn from a pool of talking heads and economists who treat the welfare of corporations as a top priority.

The Lineup: Week of April 16-22, 2012

Donald Kaul connects the racist dots linking the Supreme Court’s strip-search ruling and the Trayvon Martin case.

Pothole Nation

We can thank inequality for America’s inadequate — and increasingly unsafe — basic infrastructure.

Rubio’s False Promise

He’s on the wrong side of too many issues that matter to Latinos.

Let’s Protect Children, Not Guns

If Congress passed stronger gun laws and closed loopholes, it would save lives.

High-Speed Collusion

Verizon wants to ink cartel-like deals with a cabal of cable companies — its former competitors — to resell each other’s products.

Breathing While Black

Strip searches are now legal after arrests for violating leash laws or riding a bicycle without an audible bell.

The GOP’s Money Man

Like ugly on a hog, Romney just can’t hide the depth of his personal wealth.

The Poor as Collateral Damage

There are places where basic food, shelter, health care, and good schools are available to everyone, but not here.

Crime Watch

What really happened to Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida.

The Great White Mancave

A study of three prominent op-ed sections highlights their byline diversity problem and the conservative tilt of the nation’s top columnists.

The Lineup: Week of April 9-15, 2012

In this Tax Day special, Matias Ramos explains how immigrants face taxation without representation.

Taxation without Representation

Undocumented immigrants consistently contribute to the government’s coffers through payroll, sales, property, and income taxes.

Rich Freeloaders

It’s time for wealthy people like me to become more responsible and pay our fair share of taxes.

Invoking Fake Job Creators to Cut Taxes on the Rich

We’re squandering an extraordinary opportunity to rebuild America.

How the Rich Welsh on Retirement Taxes

Withdrawal rules provide big tax breaks to the retirees who need them the least.

Chairman of the Con Man Committee

It’s hard to take Rep. Paul Ryan’s proposal seriously.

Keystone XL’s Dirty Little Secret

The people and companies pushing the tar-sands pipeline don’t want you to know that most of this oil won’t be made into gasoline for our vehicles.

Taxing Job Creators

I’ve created lots of jobs….in China.