Bob Burnett

Berkeley writer, retired Silicon Valley executive

For 58 million Americans, the Social Security system works satisfactorily. Therefore, many were surprised when President Obama suggested a fix, using the chained CPI for the cost-of-living adjustment. What's wrong with the Social Security system?

Steven Conn

Author/Professor, Ohio State

Those who hope that the new library will serve as a "rebranding" of the Bush presidency, or who just want to engage in some Texas-style nostalgia for the good ol' W days -- and there were plenty of them in Dallas to cut the ribbon -- would do well to remember another mess their boy left.

Gov. Martin O'Malley

Governor of Maryland

Over a decade after 9/11, many of our communities have become more prepared to deal with the threat of a terrorist attack or crisis situation like the Boston Marathon bombing. Leaders in every community must ask themselves whether they are doing everything they can to be prepared.

Eli Lehrer

President, R Street

The sequester, of course, isn't ideal. There are almost certainly better ways to cut. Some cuts that haven't had any short-term consequences may do harm eventually. But, messy as it is, the sequester seems to be working.

John Arensmeyer

Founder and CEO, Small Business Majority

Small businesses don't make decisions based on politics. They make decisions based on what's right for their business, what's right for their communities and what's right for our economy.

Ada Polla

Co-creator, Alchimie Forever

Washington, D.C. offers the whole package. We are a true world capital, with style, culture, and a great culinary scene. You certainly know of the impact that Michelle Obama has had on the style culture in D.C., but here are 9 other reasons why we're not as unfashionable as you might think!

Deborah Shore

Founder, Sasha Bruce Youthwork

For 39 years, Sasha Bruce Youthwork has weathered the ups-and-downs of the economy, and we continue to offer safe homes for hundreds of runaway and homeless youth each year. Yet, right now, we are confronted with unprecedented cuts from federal and District sources.

Chris Carberry and Artemis Westenberg

The time to start planning the next large international space mission is now. That mission should be a human mission to Mars. Despite the troubling economic and budgetary times, there is clear support in the U.S. for human Mars exploration.

Clemantine Wamariya

Writer, Advocate

Like many American millennials, an 8th grade field trip first brought me into contact with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Unlike most of my peers, however -- then and now -- visiting the Museum was not my first up-close and personal encounter with genocide.

Mark Hetfield

President and CEO, HIAS, the US Jewish community's global refugee agency

What do the Boston bombings tell us about immigration? That we need immigrants, and we need immigration reform.

Rebecca Bredholt

Travel writer

Considering the military lockdown on D.C. post 9/11 I couldn't believe I got through security. And I couldn't believe more people weren't joining me in staring at the images on the screen. What had just happened?

Elizabeth Gavin

Student, Fordham University School of Law

The Supreme Court should overturn the anti-prostitution pledge because, in addition to curtailing HIV/AIDS programs, it violates the First Amendment.

Gilbert B. Kaplan

Former Deputy Assistant and Acting Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce

Hard as it may be to believe, there are forces in Washington that oppose the revival of the U.S. manufacturing sector. Who are they, and how do we counter their efforts? I think -- roughly -- they fall into five groups.

Caroline Gerdes

Freelance writer

"I am so excited to have brought together some of the world's most talented artists of today to support the DREAM program. Showcasing classical ballet, contemporary, modern, hip-hop, tap dance and more, this eclectic program will wow D.C. audiences."