Opinion Columnists
![Opinion: Smart but stinky strategies in California’s Senate race Opinion: Smart but stinky strategies in California’s Senate race](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/OCR-L-GARVEYPOLL-0221.jpg?w=140)
Opinion: Smart but stinky strategies in California’s Senate race
An ancient proverb is at play in the fight over a U.S. Senate seat held...
!['I fear that President Joe Biden has embedded a hierarchy of human life in official American policy.' 'I fear that President Joe Biden has embedded a hierarchy of human life in official American policy.'](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/sjm-inians_144213569.jpg?w=132)
Kristof: We must not kill Palestinian children to try to protect Israel’s
'I fear that President Joe Biden has embedded a hierarchy of human life in official...
![There is a direct connection between labor and child care. There is a direct connection between labor and child care.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SJM-Z-GRANDERSON-OPED-1019-1.jpg?w=132)
Granderson: U.S. policy basically discourages having kids. Now our economy is paying the price
There is a direct connection between labor and child care.
![Don't opt out of parenting just because you’re hoping your job will be more fulfilling. Don't opt out of parenting just because you’re hoping your job will be more fulfilling.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/mij-l-midlife-0123-04.jpg?w=140)
Russell: Careers over kids? A lot of adults look at parenthood the wrong way
Don't opt out of parenting just because you’re hoping your job will be more fulfilling.
![Republicans and Democrats need to have a thoughtful discussion. Republicans and Democrats need to have a thoughtful discussion.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SJM-Z-GRANDERSON-OPED-1015.jpg?w=132)
Granderson: Can Americans have a not-racist conversation about border security?
Republicans and Democrats need to have a thoughtful discussion.
![Is there a sustainable path forward?. Is there a sustainable path forward?.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SJM-Z-MYERS-OPED-1011.jpg?w=132)
Myers: Hamas attack tore Israel’s veneer of invincibility
Is there a sustainable path forward?.
![The aggression will boost its support base, and the videos of Israeli casualties will help with recruitment. The aggression will boost its support base, and the videos of Israeli casualties will help with recruitment.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SJM-Z-CHAMPION-OPED-1010.jpg?w=132)
Champion: Attack on Israel is calculated and ruthless — and that’s Hamas
The aggression will boost its support base, and the videos of Israeli casualties will help...
![By no means does every person who is homeless actively use drugs. By no means does every person who is homeless actively use drugs.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SJM-Z-ASSAF-OPED-1008.jpg?w=132)
Assaf: People think drug use causes homelessness. It’s usually the other way around
By no means does every person who is homeless actively use drugs.
![FILE - Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., speaks to reporters hours after he was ousted as The Speaker of the House, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE - Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., speaks to reporters hours after he was ousted as The Speaker of the House, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SJM-Z-COTTLE-OPED-1008.jpg?w=132)
Cottle: Can anyone lead House Republicans out of the darkness?
It may be too much to expect them to fix the situation on their own.
![Butler’s story obscured serious political implications. Butler’s story obscured serious political implications.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SJM-Z-BRETON-OPED-1008.jpg?w=132)
Bretón: Newsom’s pick to replace Feinstein has a big hole in her resume
Butler’s story obscured serious political implications.