Commentary

We're supposed to see empathy as a bad thing?
The Hennepin County attorney takes aim at one of the criticisms leveled against U.S. Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.
A water-level view of what ails the Minnesota River
An environmentalist, paddle in hand, finds evidence that rules meant to protect the river are flagrantly broken.
Minneapolis schools ready to meet tough challenges
A Minneapolis school board member assesses the impact of Superintendent Bill Green's pending departure.
Palin's strange move may prove smart after all
Like a former Minnesota governor, Alaska's outgoing chief executive seems determined to forge a place outside the political mainstream.
Exactly the wrong time to cut funds for U of M
The president of the University of Minnesota argues that, especially during a recession, the state needs the institution to serve as an economic engine.
Ranked-choice voting a better fit for today's elections
An advocate for instant runoff elections argues that the current system is based on a choice between two parties.
It's no time to be complacent about racial progress
A playwright with a similar experience sees hard lessons in the arrest of Henry Louis Gates Jr.