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

No Nuclear Nirvana on the Horizon

Nearly a year after the Fukushima disaster and more than three decades after the Three Mile Island accident, nuclear power remains expensive, dangerous, and too radioactive for Wall Street.

Washington’s Dangerous New Military Strategy

Drones may seem like a way to wage war on the cheap, but the moral cost of this kind of warfare is too high.

Congress Must Pass a Farm Bill in 2012

Our farm and food system is broken.

Libya’s Lessons

Body counts would be embarrassing.

Iraq Takes It Personally

“Don’t let the door hit you on the way out” is terrifying in Arabic.

Treating Sick Rich Folks

The plutocratic elite is perverting health care into a luxury commodity.

Raw Trade Deals

With cheap imports woven tightly into U.S. manufacturing and retail, corporations have a lot at stake.

Dr. Strangedrone

He’s the judge, jury, and executioner.

Corporations Commit Atrocities, My Friend

The Supreme Court is weighing a case with major ramifications for corporate accountability.

Polls and Local Resolutions Underscore Support for Military Spending Cuts

Taxpayers across the nation are telling Washington to cut the Pentagon and fund our communities.

The Lineup: Week of Feb. 27-March 4, 2012

John Feffer predicts that many political candidates will resort to anti-Islamic rhetoric between now and Election Day.

Running Against Islam

Politicians indulge in anti-Islamic sentiment with near impunity.

Soaking the Customer

Private companies are aggressively trying to expand their share of the water service market, and too often we’re getting a raw deal.

Shifting Gears

Just 1.5 percent of federal transportation funds support bicycling and walking projects.

Playing Politics with the Courts

Senate Republicans are blocking votes on judicial nominees, including uncontroversial ones.

Party of God

You wouldn’t think it would take Him four shots to pick a winner.

Stealing State Parks

Top politicos in many states are closing many of their parks, slashing hours and services at others, or simply handing over the public’s asset to profiteering corporations.

Costly Labor Scam

Savvy employers play one state against another when they plan new facilities.

Islamophobic Contest

Better dead than Mohammed.

Somebody vs. Someone Else vs. Obama

Two months into 2012, the presidential race is unusually unpredictable.