Newsweek My Turn

Getting Away With Murder

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:42:33 GMT

It's a sad irony: as the world celebrates the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Russia is relapsing into some of its Soviet ways. Much of what we've been seeing with the intimidation of journalists in Iran is routine in Russia—in fact, for reporters, Russia is now more dangerous than it was even during the Cold War. Seventeen have been murdered since 2000; in only one case has the killer been punished. Only Iraq and Algeria have worse records.

My Turn: Ban Smoking in Public Housing

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:11:27 GMT

Ten years ago, I was the doctor for an 18-year-old with cystic fibrosis whose mother was a heavy smoker. The patient told me how she coughed, wheezed, and choked when she was at home. I became close with her; it seemed she was always in the hospital, and I couldn't help but think it was because she wanted to escape a toxic environment. Three years later, at 21, she died—more than 14 years before a person with cystic fibrosis could be expected to live at that time.

My Turn: Gitmo North? Put It in Hardin, Montana

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:58:32 GMT

In 2004, the state of Montana was faced with overcrowded prisons. With the endorsement of our then governor, Judy Martz, the Two Rivers Authority, the -economic--development arm of the town of Hardin, began building a prison. We had hoped Two Rivers Detention Center would create jobs, helping to stop the economic spiral that was crippling this town of 3,400. But after our current governor, Brian Schweitzer, was elected, he decided the prison wasn't needed, even though a month ago the state's own consultant disagreed. Three years after we broke ground, it's still empty.

My Turn: Coming Out to My Dad, Twice

Sat, 02 May 2009 17:13:03 GMT

Because of Dad's Alzheimer's, I had to come out of the closet twice. We got it right the second time.

My Turn: A Muslim-American on Obama's Outreach

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:51:55 GMT

Did Obama's trip to Turkey help Muslims here at home? It depends on how you view my headscarf.

Class of 2009: Will My College Degree Pay Off?

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:55:03 GMT

I went to school to be a journalist. But will I ever be one?

My Turn: Childless By Choice

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 18:35:26 GMT

Because of my ominous genetic history, I decided I would never have children. Got a problem with that?

Could I Measure Up to My Fiance's Deceased Wife?

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:00:10 GMT

My fiancé's first marriage ended in tragedy. Before we could be happy, he had to make peace with it. So did I.

Economy: How Libraries Are Becoming Career Centers

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:36:37 GMT

As a librarian, my world was always about books. But in this economy, I've evolved into a career counselor.

A New Dad's Postpartum Depression

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 16:19:21 GMT

I thought being a dad would come easily to me. But soon after my son's birth, I was looking for a way out.

My Daughter's Search for a Gay-Friendly College

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:59:23 GMT

High-school seniors are receiving the final college admissions decisions this week. It's an important choice for any kid, but for gay teens, finding a welcoming campus can be a life saver.

Gay, Muslim and coming out to Mom and Dad

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 20:12:29 GMT

I thought I'd never tell my Muslim parents that I'm gay. Then a terrifying encounter gave me no choice.

My Turn: Hollywood's Economic Casualties

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:54:19 GMT

In the entertainment industry, we're used to feast or famine. But this time, things are different.

My Turn: Adjusting to Unemployment

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:12:18 GMT

From Manhattan commutes to morning school drop-off rituals: it's not easy adjusting to unemployed life.

Autism And Education

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:19:45 GMT

Who should we focus on—my disabled son or my gifted girl?

My Turn: The Truth About Multiple Births

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:14:33 GMT

Lost in the octuplets saga is the scary medical reality: without selective reduction, lots of lives are at risk.

Storytelling in Tough Economic Times

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:37:01 GMT

Don't underestimate the power of storytelling. It got folks through the Depression. It can work now, too.

My Turn: Less Shouting, More Talk on Gay Marriage

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:25:55 GMT

Yes, I voted for Prop 8. Yes, I oppose gay marriage. But that doesn't make me a religious fundamentalist.

My Turn: Escaping My Mother's Shadow

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:17:37 GMT

I'm proud of my mom, the local celebrity. But I had to figure out how to be more than just her daughter.

Why Aren't I My Daughter's Role Model?

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:15:08 GMT

I cook. I carpool. I volunteer. I do everything for my daughter. So, of course, her role model is … her dad?