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

Colombia Is No Model for Mexico’s Drug War

Far from breaking morale, the tactic of taking out the heads of trafficking groups gives junior thugs a shot at becoming the kingpin–if only briefly.

The Case for Spending More on Public Broadcasting

Before political gamesmanship erases some of our most trusted sources of news and information, we should take a step back and take a serious look at the positive role that public media play around the world.

Free Trade’s Winners and Losers in Latin America

Scrapping tariffs can hurt poor farmers, and a deal with Colombia might boost coca production.

Senate Shenanigans

Secret holds are just an anonymous filibuster.

Let’s Stay out of Libya

Why is it that going to war is the only issue politicians can agree on?

The Corporate-GOP Attack on America’s Middle Class

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is but one of a flock of far-right, corporate-crested Republican governors and Congress critters waging an all-out class war.

From Libya to Wisconsin, with Love

Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi is a big fan of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

Echoes of Fascism

Instead of “blackshirts,” we’ve got stuffed suits.

The Lineup: Week of March 7-13, 2011

William A. Collins laments the dangers that the nation’s health care system poses to our health while Robert Alvarez explains why managing nuclear weapons should be the Pentagon’s job, instead of an Energy Department task.

The Government’s Nuclear Millstone

There’s no transforming our energy future without completely overhauling the Energy Department.

China’s Wise Wheat Reserves

The idea of storing surplus grain in good times to guard against famine dates back at least as far as the Old Testament.

Sidelining Egyptian Women after the Uprising

All the members of the committee writing Egypt’s new constitution are men.

Moving Past the Jobless Recovery

Politicians need to hear from the public that this isn’t the time to cut middle-class jobs.

The Road to Budget Sanity

Cutting military spending would make us leaner and meaner; stronger, not weaker.

Surprise: Guess Who Wants Gun Control?

Arizona’s voters want to keep the mentally ill from buying guns.

Joe Sixpackus

The middle-class became extinct after that merger between corporate America and Communist China.

Hospitals Should be Good for Your Health

Hospital-acquired infection is the gorilla in the room.

The Lineup: Week of February 28-March 6, 2011

Tracy Fernandez Rysavy underscores concerns about radiation from cell phones, Donald Kaul weighs in on Wisconsin’s uprising, and Mary Anne Hitt puts the GOP attack on EPA funding in context.

Pay Up, Corporate Tax Dodgers

We’re chumps unless we force Congress to stop tax haven abuse.

Reducing Cell-Phone Radiation Risks

Gauging the precise dangers these gadgets pose to our health could take years, so let’s take precautions now.