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

Which Mitch Do You Believe?

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

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.

With All Deliberate Speed

We’re going back to the future with school segregation.

Injustice Served

Punishing whistleblowers sends the wrong message.

Housing is a Human Right

Self-righteous human rights attacks on other countries don’t help mask glaring needs at home, particularly food and shelter for millions.

Keep Grant on the $50 Bill

Compared to Reagan he was a giant.

U.S. Drug Policy Feeds Violence in Mexico

As long as there is high demand for drugs in the United States, the illicit drug trade and all its bloody consequences won’t stop.

Corporate Murder

By putting its profits over human life, America’s coal industry is killing people, passing it off as a “cost of doing business.”

College Basketball

College basketball leads to dismal graduation rates.

College Basketball Graduation Rate Insanity

Too many colleges are putting big money sports over the education of their student-athletes.

Getting Sick Can Be Darned Risky

State medical authorities keep track of “physician errors” or “adverse incidents,” but they rarely share that information with us.

Remembering Jaime Escalante

His formula for student success was simple: You need a good teacher committed to working hard to educate and students committed to working hard to learn.

Palin’s Contract with Stanislaus

Sarah Palin’s demands for a speaking engagement aren’t so folksy.

Rushing to Universal Coverage

It’s great that Rush Limbaugh appreciates universal health care.

What If We’re Not So Angry?

The world won’t end if the United States isn’t likely to end the world.