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.

Sign up for Otherwords

Latest Work

Uncle Sam Should Support Built-to-Last Companies, Not Built-to-Loot Enterprises

There’s nothing holding back the corporations demanding another tax holiday from investing in America right now.

The Lineup: Week of Oct. 3-9, 2011

Marc Morial and Khalil Bendib address capital punishment’s “long shadow of doubt” in the wake of Troy Davis’s execution.

Columbus Day Questions

On this Columbus Day, let’s consider the discrepancy between how newcomers are celebrated in our history but ostracized in our society.

A Long Shadow of Doubt: The Execution of Troy Davis

As Justice Marshall once said, “the scandalous state of our present system of capital punishment will cast a pall of shame over our society for years to come.”

Solyndra’s Implosion Burned Taxpayers

We need to put the brakes on the Department of Energy’s flawed loan guarantee program before taxpayers lose billions.

New Rules will Support Farmers and Jobs

The meatpacking industry, giant poultry companies, and largest food processors have forced more than 1 million American farmers and ranchers out of business since 1980.

Free the College Football Market

College football pretends it’s about boola-boola, but it’s really all about ka-ching ka-ching.

Wendy’s ‘Improved’ Burger

The company spent two and a half years and millions of dollars of corporate poking and prodding to “improve” a burger that doesn’t compare to a backyard cookout.

Doubt’s Shadow

RIP, Troy Davis.

The Environment Could Use Some Rich Friends

The Earth needs a well-heeled lobby to survive all this pillaging.

The Lineup: Week of Sept. 26-Oct. 2, 2011

Matias Ramos describes his latest immigration ordeal.

MIA: Obama’s New Common-Sense Immigration Policy

I learned the hard way that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field offices are actually becoming even more ruthless than before.

Blocking Palestinian Statehood

The Obama administration looks particularly bad, having spent so much diplomatic energy throughout the Arab Spring pledging to realign U.S. interests in the Middle East with American values of freedom, justice, and dignity.

America’s Government Contracting Bonanza Bilks Taxpayers

On average, Uncle Sam spends nearly twice as much when the government outsources a job as it would if it just hired another “expensive” federal worker.

The Drug War Spreads the Bloodbath South

It’s time to re-cast U.S. drug policy in Mexico and Guatemala and stop supporting killing methods that end up aiding drug traffickers.

It’s Class Warfare, All Right

The rich guys are winning–in a rout.

The Corporate Takeover of the 2012 Presidential Election

Super PACs represent the Enronization of our democracy.

Poverty News

There are 46.2 million Americans living in poverty.

Big Agriculture’s Latin American Exploits

Without any tariffs padding the price of our exports, cheap U.S. grain would flood Colombia.

The Lineup: Week of Sept. 19-25, 2011

Karen Dolan explains why we need to preserve the nation’s safety net.