It’s a relief to keep the OtherWords editorial service running on schedule when so little is going as planned. At my house, we just had an unexpected four-day weekend and a downed fence. And our little ladybug and cop trotted back to school in time to celebrate Halloween.
While I’m concerned about the damage from this extreme weather, I’m also thankful that my loved ones are safe and sound. I hope that the same holds true for you, your friends, and relatives.
Thanksgiving is when we contemplate everything we take for granted, and “Frankenstorm” Sandy made that holiday arrive early this year. In addition to being thankful that the neighbor’s towering tree didn’t crush my house, I’d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your continued support.
I’d also like to thank the editors who make it possible for OtherWords commentaries and cartoons to appear in 310 newspapers that reach more than 6.5 million readers. And thanks to the editors that enable us to run on dozens of websites too.
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This week in OtherWords, we’re emphasizing military and foreign policy priorities. Miriam Pemberton explains how rebalancing our national security spending would make our embassies safer. Lt. General (USA, Ret.) Robert G. Gard outlines the next administration’s top foreign policy challenges. Khalil Bendib’s cartoon can accompany either of those commentaries, as well as William A. Collins’ column summing up his take on Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Be sure to visit the OtherWords blog, where you’ll find a bonus column by Jim Hightower in a few days. And please subscribe to our weekly newsletter if you haven’t signed up already.
- How to Make our Embassies Safer / Miriam Pemberton
Paul Ryan’s spending plans call for slashing the money the State Department can use to protect diplomats. - The Next Administration’s Top Five Foreign Policy Challenges / Lt. General (USA, Ret.) Robert G. Gard
The next administration’s top short-term challenge will undoubtedly be to end U.S. involvement in combat operations in Afghanistan. - Isolation on Both Ends of the Line / Chancellar Williams
In a complete distortion of free-market economics, the phone companies that secure contracts with prisons are often the ones that charge more than their competitors. - A Nuclear Strike on States’ Rights / Deb Katz
Vermont’s Yankee reactor would have closed this year had a power company kept a decade-old promise. - The Dead-End Servant Economy / Sam Pizzigati
We’re going down the road toward becoming a nation of servants. - Politics Creep to a New Low / Jim Hightower
Both presidential campaigns are going overboard with their snooping into voters’ lives. - Dining with Mahmoud / William A. Collins
That night, he left out his signature anti-Semitic rhetoric. - The Horses and Bayonets Strategy / Khalil Bendib
The Horses and Bayonets Strategy, an OtherWords cartoon by Khalil Bendib
