in Gay Rights
When it comes to the question of ordaining gay and lesbian clergy, you’ll get no hesitation from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Long one of the most important religious leaders in the world, Tutu says that clergy should be judged on their commitment to social justice, not on their sexual orientation.
in Social Entrepreneurship
When Betty Londergan realized she was losing money in the recession, she figured: Why not simply give it away? Now, she's on a 365-day journey, one in which she plans to give $100 away to a different cause every day. What's more, she'll be blogging about every one of those experiences. Definitely one woman with an act to follow.
in Criminal Justice
Medical marijuana is one of the more effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder out there. But you wouldn't know it if you asked the DEA, which is refusing to allow Veterans Affairs' doctors to prescribe the drug to former soldiers -- even in the 14 states where medical marijuana has been legalized. Tell the DEA to stop holding veterans' health political hostage.
in Environment
According to a just-released Gallup poll, fewer Americans than ever believe in the existence and dangers of global warming -- despite evidence that changes are already happening. How did this happen? And what can we do about it?
in Human Rights
For many, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) –- more colloquially, “shock therapy” –- conjures up negative images of science-fiction quackery. But ECT is currently more common than you might think, including its use on patients around the globe who can’t or won’t provide consent.
in Global Health
You wouldn't know it by the tenor of the news. But the economic report out of sub-Saharan Africa these days is pretty upbeat. The number of people living on less than $1 a day has dropped by 10%, and the continent is making a quicker ascent out of the financial crisis than some. Could this year mark the start of the African Decade?
in Poverty in America
More than 11 million people now collect unemployment checks and certain Republican politicians are convinced that they're lazy. Nevada's Rep. Dean Heller thinks unemployment benefits are "creating hobos." Iowa's Rep. Steve King warns of the danger of "turning the safety net into a hammock." And former majority leader Tom DeLay says, "unemployment benefits keep people from going and finding jobs."
in Animals
Less than a year after making a commitment to animal welfare, Brazil may erase protections for domestic animals from its only animal cruelty law. If the proposed bill passes, there would be no consequences for cruelty to dogs, cats, horses, and livestock.
