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

Now Foreign Corporations are Citizens Too

It appears that Toyota, Unilever, Deutsche Bank, Bin Laden Construction group, and thousands of other foreign entities can also add their trillions of dollars to drown out the democratic voices of real Americans.

Arizona Immigration

Docile, reliable, cheap labor welcome.

Priority Check

The military claims more than half our taxes.

But Would Restaurants Have to Serve Libertarians?

A Kentucky Republican seeking a Senate seat endorses right to discriminate.

No More Torture

Former MI6 officials condemn U.S. use of torture.

Letters to the Editor: Kaul’s ‘Enduring Literature’

Donald Kaul’s take on the GOP hits a nerve.

Greed in the Suites Gets a New Yardstick

A landmark leap on executive pay disclosure could be around the corner.

Remembering Dorothy Height

Through it all, Height’s intellect and strength remained as sharp as her signature sense of style.

Tax Policy: Maybe It’s Time to Start Over

The rich actually pay a lower percentage of their total income in taxes than do the poor.

Congress: Rescue the Clean Water Act

Unless we protect headwater streams, our drinking water could be contaminated.

Which Mitch Do You Believe?

The GOP’s cynical hypocrisy either makes you want to either throw up or fall down laughing.

Warning: Shopping May Prove Deadly to Miners

Miners from Utah to sub-Saharan Africa to China’s Shanxi province die, in part, for us.

What’s so Great About Freedom from Health Care?

It’s the other guy’s government benefits that bother them.

Wall Street’s Back Pockets

The classic divide in American politics amounts to left vs. right pocket.

Cornering the Seed Market

American farming can’t afford premium prices for seeds.

Senate Emissions

The Senate climate bill is set to be released on Monday, April 26.

The Other 95 Percent

Nearly all Americans got a tax cut but don’t know it.

Remembering Benjamin Hooks

The civil rights leader broke down many barriers.

Too Fat to Fight

Many potential recruits are too overweight to join the armed services.

Exploiting Athletes

Big-time college basketball is about to get even bigger.