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

Constitution v. Corporations

Kagan’s confirmation process should usher in a much-needed national conversation about the Supreme Court.

Supremely Important: Genetically Engineered Crops

More questions are being raised about the long-term impact of these crops on the environment.

Fragrances Can Really Stink

The diverse, and unknown, range of chemicals we’re exposed to is increasingly unhealthy.

Angry about Arizona

Cities boycott Arizona to protest its immigration law as the state cracks down on ethnic studies.

Banks Put on Notice

A Senate amendment bars rewards for enabling bad loans.

American Power Act

New energy bill mixes support for coal, nuclear, and oil industries with measures meant to reduce pollution and planet-warming emissions.

Baseball Boycott

Senator Menendez is urging Major League Baseball players to protest Arizona’s new immigration law.

CEOs Tip the Pay Scale

Workers might have to toil for three centuries to earn what their company’s chief executive earns in a year.

Europe’s Sick of U.S. Nukes

Stockpiles undercut, instead of enhancing, security.

Extremely Unconstitutional

Arizona’s new immigration law calls for racial profiling, which is illegal in the United States of America.

Child Hunger and Obesity: A Double-Edged Sword

Lax standards allow far too many unhealthy junk foods to slip through the cracks and infiltrate our cafeterias.

The State of Motherhood

June Cleaver doesn’t live here anymore.

Crime Pays for BP

Corporations can get away with murder and environmental devastation, and make billions doing it.

What Would Palin Do?

Sarah, tell us what to do about the BP oil disaster.

Exploiting the Unemployment Market

Denying benefits is a messy process, so Talx comes in to do the dirty chore.

Let’s Treat the Planet Better

Our magical flood of electronic devices, from television sets to cell phones, harbors long-lasting poisons.

Energy Disaster

If you like my offshore oil drilling program, you’ll love my clean coal and safe nukes.

Campaigning at Dairy Farms

A Republican candidate for Congress addresses farmers’ troubles.

Assessing the BP Oil Disaster

The Sierra Club calls warns against more offshore oil drilling.

Terrorists’ Right to Bear Arms

Two GOP senators say they wouldn’t support a bill to stop suspected terrorists from buying weapons.