Nancy's Compromise

Taylor Marsh, 11.11.2009

Political analyst, commentator, with foreign policy focus

This isn't just political, it's personal. Though Speaker Pelosi may find that her compromise was all for naught, as Sen. Ben Nelson, aided by Mr. Lie...

Obama in Asia: West Looks East After "The End of History"

Kishore Mahbubani, 11.11.2009

Author of The New Asian Hemisphere: The Irresistible Shift of Global Power to the East

The loss of the West's moral authority is the exact opposite outcome that Western minds expected when they celebrated the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Why Roland Burris Matters to Barack Obama, Right Now

Rebecca Sive, 11.11.2009

Community organizer and women's rights activist

Roland could write an epitaph on that vaunted tombstone of his that actually matters. And, Roland, take note: By doing this, you will have saved the lives of millions of American women.

Obama's Human Rights Opportunity in Singapore

Robert Amsterdam, 11.11.2009

International lawyer on emerging markets, politics of business, and rule of law

The effusive praise President Barack Obama has for former Singaporean Prime Minister and now Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew is another gesture that has ...

Same-sex Marriage after Maine: What Can We Do Differently?

Isobel White, 11.11.2009

Writer, Communications Consultant, Activist, and Mom

The cameras are gone now. The lawn signs will slowly disappear. Queer folk of Maine can go back to watching ads for cars and hair gel, not ads that pu...

Everyone Should Be Aware Of Their Inalienable Human Rights

Shulamith Koenig, 11.11.2009

Shulamith Koenig is the Executive Director of the People’s Movement for Human Rights Education.

Allow me humbly to ask you to walk with me into this discourse about human rights as a way of life, slowly and thoughtfully.

Am I Angrier at Bart Stupak or Barack Obama?

Joanne Bamberger, 11.10.2009

Political/media analyst, author, Founder of PunditMom political blog

I was more worried about Justices Scalia and Thomas, and now it turns out I should have been focusing on some Congressman from Michigan. The short, non-wonky version of where we are? We're screwed.

The Tide is Turning in the Fight to Close Guantanamo

Sharon Kelly, 11.10.2009

Director of Communications at Human Rights First

As we await the announcement of President Obama's plan to close Guantanamo, we can be hopeful that the tide of fear-mongering that has muddied this debate is being to ebb.

Zimbabwe Allowed to Mine "Blood Diamonds"

Alex Matthews, 11.10.2009

Freelance journalist, politics blogger and editor of TheSoapbox.fm

Based on the abuses and occupation of the Marange diamond fields under Mugabe, Human Rights Watch recommended that Zimbabwe withdraw from the area. They haven't and they won't.

Stupak Amendment Threatens the Rights of Every American

Karen Finney, 11.11.2009

Former Spokeswoman and Director of Communications at the Democratic National Committee

The members of Congress who voted in support of the Stupak amendment sent a message to America's women: after more than 200 years we are still not full citizens of the United States.

Training Human Rights Defenders In The Democratic Republic Of Congo

Jim Fruchterman, 11.10.2009

Founder, Benetech

Information about human rights abuse is the key asset of human rights groups. The loss of this information is a problem with far-reaching implications.

Precious Girls Everywhere

Malika Saada Saar, 11.10.2009

Executive director of the Rebecca Project for Human Rights

A powerful movement is emerging to invest in girls in developing nations who are cut down by violence. The voices of two young girls that I heard in Congress show that this is happening right under our noses.

Turning a Blind Eye to Killing and Rape in DR Congo

Navi Pillay, 11.10.2009

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Turning a blind eye to egregious human rights abuses is a recipe for disaster. The UN Security Council, when discussing the protection of civilians in armed conflict, must hold perpetrators of these abuses accountable.

What the Gay Boycott of the DNC Can Do

Emma Ruby-Sachs, 11.10.2009

Lawyer

There is a gay boycott of the Democratic Party afoot, and it has the potential to turn into something that leads to real change in American politics.

William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe

Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler, 11.09.2009

Founders of Off Center Media, a production company that produces documentaries exposing injustice in the criminal justice system

At home, Dad spoke of the racism he saw every day in the courtroom. Civil rights leaders, he told us, where only honored when they were safely dead.

Strange Bed Fellows: Health Care Reform and the Stupak Amendment

Michelle Kraus, 11.09.2009

Veteran of the political blogging community.

How did women’s reproductive rights become the bargaining chip for health care reform in this country? Federal funding for clinics is essential ...

First They Came

August J. Pollak, 11.09.2009

Progressives take another one for the "team." To see more of August J. Pollak's cartoon "Some Guy With a Website," check out the archive. ...

Why the Stupak Amendment Is a Monumental Setback for Abortion Access

Jessica Arons, 11.09.2009

Director of the Women's Health and Rights Program at American Progress

The Stupak Amendment, passed Saturday night by the House of Representatives after a compromise deal fell apart, potentially goes farther than any other federal law to restrict women's access to abortion.

Blaming the Victim

Yoani Sanchez, 11.08.2009

Award-Winning Cuban Blogger

After an attack there are certain myopics who blame the victim herself for what happened. If it is a woman who has been raped, someone explains that ...

Why Women's Orgs Must Become Non-Partisan

Amy Siskind, 11.08.2009

President and Co-Founder of The New Agenda

The days of women's organizations being an appendage of the DNC must end immediately. Women have been taken for granted and speaking to one political party has led to defeat after defeat for causes important to women.

Dem Leaders in 1965: "Filibuster Threat Is Too Daunting -- So Let's Just Drop This Civil Rights Crap"

Martin Lewis, 11.10.2009

British-born, Hollywood-based humorist, commentator, producer and radio host

It's March 16, 1965. We have a Democratic President. We have large Democratic majorities in both the House and the Senate. It's long been part of the progressive and liberal platform...