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

Measuring Progress

Maryland’s government is embracing an alternative way to monitor the state’s wellbeing called the Genuine Progress Indicator, which brings depth to the analysis of the state’s economic growth.

Defending Bloated Military Spending

The Pentagon is scrambling to protect its flank in these budget-cutting times.

Food System Pays Dearly as Wall Street Occupies Washington

It’s nearly impossible to find a legislative or regulatory issue related to food and agriculture that hasn’t been deeply shaped (if not outright written) by corporate lobbyists.

Gaddafi’s Grim End

When you get a chance to have one less Gaddafi in the world, you should take it.

Manliness in a Can

Dr Pepper Ten is low-cal, but none dares call it “diet.”

Masters of the Universe, Unite!

End the occupation, free Bernie Madoff, and leave Wall Street alone.

Dispatch from Occupy Wall Street

Resourceful young people have lit our pathway out of the morass.

The Lineup: Week of Oct. 17-23, 2011

Salvatore Babones says that without a steady decline in earnings, American households wouldn’t be so saddled with debt.

A Dagger Pointed at Maryland’s Peace Movement

There’s nothing in Montgomery County’s local, non-binding peace resolution about firing Lockheed’s employees or tossing any corporations into the Potomac River.

What I’ve Learned Occupying Wall Street and DC

In squares, parks, and plazas all over the country, we’re taking the time for true democracy to work.

Shortchanging Our Paychecks

Income and benefits for most Americans have stagnated over the past four decades despite steady economic growth.

Obama: Reject the Tar Sands Pipeline

Here’s a chance for President Obama to uphold that campaign pledge to “end the tyranny of oil” in the United States.

Missouri’s Troy Davis

Reggie Clemons is seeking clemency for a crime he may not have committed, just as Troy Davis did until his last breath.

Newspaper Nostalgia

Serving the public trust instead of just chasing profits made the journalism business better in the old days, even without computers.

The GOP Loves the Federal Spending it Hates

Sen. McConnell’s tirade about the Solyndra debacle would’ve had a lot more moral punch if it were not for Zap Motors.

Tar Sands

Didn’t we already get our share of tar sands from BP?

Veterans, the Human Rubble of Our Wars

A few years ago, recruiting was a more thankless job.

The Lineup: Week of Oct. 10-16, 2011

Sarah Anderson and Chuck Collins explain why Congress shouldn’t give a tax break to corporations that hoard profits in overseas tax havens

Job Destroyers Don’t Deserve a Tax Holiday

When thinks tanks from the left and the right agree on something, Congress should pay attention.

How to Achieve Transparency for the Supercommittee

Every campaign contribution to members of this powerful panel should be reported every single day.