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

High Seas

No more excuses: This lawlessness has got to stop.

The Lineup: Week of June 7-13

This package features op-eds about Israel, budget cuts, and the NBC-Comcast merger.

Time for a Job Surge

National Urban League crunches numbers on joblessness and outlines solutions to the long-term unemployment crisis.

Israel Plans to Meet Next Aid Ships with more Force

Relations with Turkey are deteriorating fast.

Kentucky Adopts Civil Rights Resolution

State senators reject Rand Paul’s controversial comments.

Community Gardens Don’t Excuse What Kraft Did to American Food

Big Food won’t be absolved by tossing a fraction of its fortunes toward urban plots.

Do Yourself a Favor, Rand: Stop Talking

If these people ever do get into office, we won’t need term limits.

American’s Health-Care System Endangers Mothers’ Lives

Maternal mortality is a domestic human rights crisis that kills hundreds of American women every year.

Deficit Fascinates Media–Its Causes, Not So Much

One of the deficit’s biggest causes–George W. Bush’s tax cuts–deserves more attention.

Mainstream Media Blues

Newspapers, magazines, TV, and even radio are all battling the wolf at the door.

Work vs. Wealth

Low taxes on the income made from investments gives the richest Americans an unfair advantage.

Thanks for Nothing, Monsanto

Mother Nature’s weeds are smarter than the Frankensteins in Monsanto’s labs.

Media Disaster

It’s just you and me, with two paddles and no credibility.

House Rebuffs Veto Threat on Fighter Jet Engine Program

Congress hasn’t lost its taste for military pork despite all that chatter about cutting the deficit.

Pollan Digests the Latest Food Politics Books

Michael Pollan’s new essay highlights the diverse schools of food activism takes as well as unifying themes.

Benefits for the Long-Term Unemployed to be Debated Again

Yet another partisan fight in Congress over whether the long-term unemployed should continue to collect benefits is looming.

Pundits Cheered Drilling Shortly Before BP Oil Disaster

Many of America’s prominent commentators ran on fumes when they opined about oil.

Fighting War Funding

Activists and lawmakers are adopting new tactics to rein in spending on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.