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

Jobs vs. War

Isn’t there some kind of law against panhandling?

Poverty on the March

In the name of thrift, Congress has chiseled unemployment, food stamps, housing, child care, and most other social services.

The Lineup: Week of September 27-October 3, 2010

Donald Kaul defends Keynes, Jim Hightower asks readers to help him overcome his loss for words, and William A. Collins shines a light on the government’s domestic surveillance programs.

Leading the Way to a Smarter Future

People living in “transition” cities and towns are working together to make their communities more resilient to economic and environmental uncertainty.

From Death Row to Elusive Freedom

An exonerated former prisoner shares his story so that the United States may one day join the rest of the civilized world in abolishing the death penalty.

Remembering Ron Walters

His quiet demeanor belied a passionate and lifelong commitment to civil rights.

Strong Federal Safeguards Needed for Coal Ash

States have an inadequate or non-existent patchwork of rules, with many treating the toxic material like household garbage.

Austerity Won’t Restore our Prosperity

We are trying to prop up an economy that is a giant Ponzi scheme.

‘Conservatism’ Has Turned Into ‘Crackpotism’

If you can think of a better, more apt term, please let this columnist know.

Sorry, You’re Under Surveillance

The supreme irony of the government stomping on civil rights is that it breeds countless new enemies.

Gibberish

Another highly suspicious document found at the neighborhood mosque.

Pledging Allegiance to the Rich

OtherWords contributor Karen Dolan isn’t just smart. She’s funny.

The Lineup: Week of September 20-27, 2010

Our latest editorial package includes an op-ed by Karen Dolan outlining policies that would reduce the startling number of impoverished Americans.

Let’s Strengthen our Safety Net

One in seven Americans–a record high of 43.6 million people–was poor last year.

No Happy Ending in Honduras

The Central American nation’s woes continue to rage despite Secretary of State Clinton’s insistence to the contrary.

Gun Violence and Children

Have we no shame or respect for children’s lives in Somalia or even our own country?

Uncle Sam Shouldn’t Bankroll Lawmaker Libraries

A $10 million earmark in another bill would stick out like a sore thumb, but in the defense bill it fits right in.

Religious Freedom isn’t just for Christians

You can’t judge Islam exclusively by its worst moments.

Offshoring America’s Legal Jobs

Lawyering has become the latest category of good jobs disappearing from our Land of the Free.

Terry Ahmadinejad

Poor Islam.