Opinion: How the Presidential Candidates Can Stimulate Public Service
The two presidential candidates — Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama — plan to go to New York City this week to commemorate the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks with a call to public service. Unless the candidates get specific about removing the barriers to public service, however,…
By PAUL LIGHT
Contributor
How One Charity Has Reshaped America
Born in the crucible of poverty, racial discrimination, and worker injustice in the mountains of Tennessee, the Highlander Research and Education Center has stood as a beacon for democratic change for more than 75 years. Neither its story nor its formidable accomplishments are widely known, even by…
By PABLO EISENBERG
Contributor
In National Service, It’s Quality, Not Quantity
On September 11, 500 advocates of national-service programs, such as AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps, are expected to gather in New York City for the ServiceNation Summit. Joining the meeting will be the major presidential candidates, Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama, both of whom have supported…
By LESLIE LENKOWSKY
Contributor
‘Millennials’ Must Learn to Listen
To the Editor: While I respect and agree with some of the comments given by Allison Fine, in her article “It’s Time to Focus on a New Generation” (August 21), one must also ask, “What do the millennials need to learn from us?” There is much that can be learned from people in their 20s, but this…
What Are the Lessons of Leona Helmsley’s Bequest?
To the Editor: Leona Helmsley’s bequest of $4-billion to a foundation to care for dogs is one of the dumbest gifts in the history of American philanthropy. It is also a fitting misanthropic legacy to the woman dubbed “the Queen of Mean.” That said, would there be such hand-wringing and calls for…
Foundations’ Longevity Should Be Valued
Too many Americans are losing their homes and jobs, and the already high number of people without health insurance is growing.Shouldn’t America’s endowed foundations, which hold more than $600-billion in assets, be required to give away more than they now do to solve those and other problems facing…
By LORIE SLUTSKY
Contributor
Opinion: 9/11 Memorial Should Commit to 2011 Opening
Opinion: 9/11 memorial should commit to 2011 opening
Opinion: Aid Workers Across the World Facing Greater Risks
Opinion: International aid workers face greater risks
United Way’s New Approach Deserves a Try
The Ford Motor Company used to broadcast television ads with the caption “Ford has a better idea.” One of its better ideas included a redesign and subsequent devastating loss of popularity of the Taurus, which at one time was America’s best-selling car. Now Brian Gallagher, chief executive of…
By PABLO EISENBERG
Contributor
Should a Big Bequest Go to the Dogs?
Leona M. Helmsley’s decision to leave most of her fortune — worth at least $4-billion — to a foundation to care for dogs sets a new record for aid to animals. It dwarfs the previous biggest donation to help animals, a 1998 donation of $200-million in stock by David Duffield, the founder of…
By LESLIE LENKOWSKY
Contributor