Commentary

Commentaries by strategic thinkers of our time

Now, Let’s Occupy the Ballot

by Van Jones

posted Feb 28, 2012

During election season, all eyes turn to politics. How do we ensure that the interests of the 99 percent are represented in the halls of power?

Change Now, Vote Later

by Nathan Schneider

posted Feb 28, 2012

Political answers will come when we build a network of solidarity and action that pushes on all fronts for a true democracy.

Prevent a Tar Sands Disaster

by Nellis Kennedy-Howard

posted Aug 19, 2011

Why developing the tarsands has been called "world's most destructive project."

Two Points for the Tea Party. Now What?

by David Korten

posted Jun 16, 2011

We can all agree that we've got deficit and spending problems. But where do we go from here?

Young Voters: Don’t Write Them Off

by Rob "Biko" Baker

posted Mar 30, 2011

Why anyone who believes that under-30 Americans aren’t tuned in to the future and ready to act is fooling themselves.

Legal Pros Say No to Citizens United

by Jeffrey D. Clements and Ben T. Clements

posted Nov 17, 2010

Experts call for Constitutional amendment to take back democracy from corporations.

Clear Act: A Climate Bill That Can Pass

by Peter Barnes

posted Sep 13, 2010

How the cap-and-cash-back bill can clear a deadlocked Senate–and make most Americans better off.

A Personal Invitation to the US Social Forum

by Adrienne Maree Brown

posted May 13, 2010

The national coordinator of the US Social Forum, Adrienne Maree Brown offers her brief, heartfelt list of reasons to come to Detroit to participate in the 2010 USSF.

Financial Transactions Tax: A Little Tax on the Big Casino

by Tanya Dawkins

posted Mar 09, 2010

The Center for Economic and Policy Research estimates that an FTT of only one-half of one percent would generate at least $60 billion to $100 billion dollars in the United States alone.

Lessons from the Attack on Van Jones

by Rob Biko Baker

posted Dec 15, 2009

Jones is a powerful role model in or out of the White House.

Health Care Déjà Vu

by Brooke Jarvis

posted Aug 28, 2009

Can health care reform that does not build on the universal right to health care be successful?

Would Obama’s Mother be Amazed?

by Fran Korten

posted May 08, 2009

Would Barack Obama’s mother be amazed that her son is president of the United States? Fran Korten knew his mother, and she doesn’t think she would be.

Instant Runoff Elections are a Vote for Civility

by Rob Richie

posted May 07, 2009

Burlington’s success with instant runoff voting (IRV) is a model of a clean, open debate. Is it time to take it to the national level?

Commentary :: Don't Fix Wall Street, Replace It

by David Korten

posted Feb 13, 2009

"Let Wall Street corporations and their phantom wealth machine slip into the abyss … Devote our public resources to building and strengthening Main Street businesses and financial institutions devoted to creating real wealth in service to their local communities."

Commentary :: Worker-Owned Café Offers Local Food, Space to Talk

by Robert Jensen, Carlos Pérez de Alejo

posted Oct 31, 2008

Robert Jensen, Carlos Pérez de Alejo describe the thinking behind “Piqueteros” (a name drawn from the movement of un- and under-employed workers in Argentina), one of the few worker-owned-and-operated cafés operating in the United States.