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

The Lineup: Week of July 4-10, 2011

Raul A. Reyes says that Alabama’s controversial new immigration law scapegoats children and Tiffany Williams explains why a new caregiving movement is emerging.

The New Caregiving Movement

With Medicare and Medicaid on the chopping block at the state and federal levels, the crisis for seniors and people with disabilities is becoming as urgent as the crisis facing the workers who are caring for them.

Illegal Discrimination

Alabama’s new anti-immigration law includes provisions that serve no purpose other than to intimidate undocumented immigrants and discourage them from getting an education.

Money for Nothing

Years after the Enron debacle, traders are still fleecing consumers through obscure electricity market loopholes.

How the Government Can Save $2 Trillion

A serious debate about the federal government’s role is long overdue.

Loose American Screws

Gov. Rick Perry has expressed sympathy for the right of Texas to secede from the Union.

David Koch’s Crass Act

One of the crudest arms of his vast and secretive political network is called Americans for Prosperity.

Jim Crow Immigration Law

Alabama’s anti-immigration law looks eerily familiar.

This Recession Isn’t Temporary

America could use a new stimulus package.

The Lineup: Week of June 27-July 3, 2011

Peter Certo explains why he’s not buying a shiny new iPad and William A. Collins says that big business is trying to keep climate change out of the news.

Three Strikes against Apple

There’s too much blood on its phones, laptops, and tablets.

One Montana County’s Medicare-for-All Coverage

As the Ryan Republicans try to destroy Medicare, here’s a prescription to clean up the whole mess.

Tell the People about the People’s Budget

There’s a good chance you’ve never heard about the People’s Budget, though there’s been a mountain of media coverage of the budget mess.

America the Vulnerable

Violent right-wing extremism is surging, but the Department of Homeland Security is scaling back intelligence units that might catch the next Timothy McVeigh before it’s too late.

My Favorite Fourth of July Speech

Real patriotism requires coming to terms with the grimmer side of American history.

Perry’s Prayer-Palooza

I’m fairly certain that God doesn’t want anything to do with this goober’s show.

Think Indifferent

I don’t want that Apple.

Pay Attention to Climate Change, Even if It’s Bad for Business

Leaving little to chance, corporations have purchased politicians, media, advertising, think tanks, and meteorologists.

The Lineup: Week of June 20-26, 2011

John Feffer says that Sen. Jim Webb would make a great Secretary of Defense, and Donald Kaul explains why Michele Bachmann isn’t a serious presidential candidate.

A Politician Who Distinguishes Fact from Fiction

Jim Webb would make a great Secretary of Defense.