In the competing narratives of cowardice and courage emerging from the Boston Marathon bombings, perhaps none is as powerful as the story of Carlos Arredondo.

We are reminded that no matter how long the odds, it really can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone of us.

Thatcher was “leaning in” long before Sheryl Sandberg coined the phrase.

Robin Young shares her thoughts on the bombing at the Boston Marathon, and recalls the wonderful experiences of Patriots’ Days past.

Boston is not the biggest city in America; it is not the most politically powerful. But it has an inner determination and power that only the foolish ignore.

Having run the marathon twice myself, I knew exactly how far away I was from the attack. Point seven miles.

No other modern leader — and perhaps no other political leader in history — inspired so much musical hatred.

With April 15 bearing down, Rich Barlow read the Center for American Progress’s report on “Hidden Spending In The Tax Code” so you don’t have to.

At a recent technology trade event, the governor criticized the media for being tough on the local business community. Curt Woodward explains why Patrick’s comments were off-base.

Before we consider any further military action in North Korea, there are several lessons from the Iraq War to think about.

The ill health of democracy in Boston is why I gave up my safe seat on the City Council to campaign for mayor.

Cog contributors Jane Swift, Jarrett Barrios, Renée Loth, and many more share their thoughts on the mayor’s retirement.

After taking in last week’s ruminations about the somber anniversary, a few things stand out about the war and its lessons for the future.

The time has come to move beyond the rhetoric and begin takin’ it to the streets.

History has repeatedly demonstrated that it leads to balanced budgets, a robust economy, and a piece of the opportunity pie for every citizen seated at America’s table.

If they do not find meaningful ways to connect with Millennials, the largest generation in our nation’s history, neither institution will look the same in 20 years.

Once a staunch opponent of gay marriage, the Ohio Republican says he now supports same-sex nuptials after his son told him he was gay.

The depth of Latin America’s democracy will be tested broadly once Hugo Chávez is out for good.

Before we consider any further military action in North Korea, there are several lessons from the Iraq War to think about.

Memorials owe their meaning and their random beauty to the efforts of a community of neighbors — and strangers.

Growing up in Utah as an American of Japanese descent, I searched for role models — athletes, movie or television stars, pop singers — who I could identify with and who looked like me and my family.

With April 15 bearing down, Rich Barlow read the Center for American Progress’s report on “Hidden Spending In The Tax Code” so you don’t have to.

In the competing narratives of cowardice and courage emerging from the Boston Marathon bombings, perhaps none is as powerful as the story of Carlos Arredondo.

The greater the public fear – the greater the financial rewards.

New research suggests that Millennials will not be as reliable a constituency for Democrats as they have been in the past. Harvard’s John Della Volpe looks at the evolving role of the youth vote in the upcoming election.

What I saw that day, and in the days after, will stay with me the rest of my life.

Steve Almond isn’t opposed to spending cuts. Far from it. He just wants them to target what he sees as the real problems — like Big Oil subsidies and Donald Trump.

Forget re-election plans. It is time for Mayor Tom Menino to retire. He and Boston will both survive.

What will it take for the spirit of the “We Are One Boston” signs along the road to take permanent root in the region?

Courts, prosecutors, and defenders are appropriately looking at every individual case possibly tainted by Annie Dookhan. But more broadly, we need to look at the types of crimes we are prosecuting and at what cost?

So much for the dire predictions. Billions in spending cuts went into effect two weeks ago, but few have noticed.

At a recent technology trade event, the governor criticized the media for being tough on the local business community. Curt Woodward explains why Patrick’s comments were off-base.

Of course corporations aren’t people. But Wendy Kaminer says like the individuals engaged in them, businesses require constitutional protection against abuses of government power.

Don’t count him out, though. Lynch has made a habit of beating the odds — especially when it comes to special elections.

As the shock of Monday’s marathon bombings begins to wear off, thoughts turn to what the broader implications of this cowardly attack will be on American life.

Commentator Steve Almond says only if George Clooney were to choose a young Paul Newman to be his running mate would a ticket even come close to matching the combined stud quotient that is Romney/Ryan.

Why don’t we have tighter controls on guns? Unfortunately, says commentator John Rosenthal, the answer is all too simple.

Massachusetts lawmakers say they believe in transparency in government – for every government body, apparently, except their own. Mary Connaughton Z. explains.

In Moscow, the trial against three young punk rockers looks more like the Soviet Union than the “new Russia.” Joshua Rubenstein on the Pussy Riot controversy.

Maybe Mitt Romney isn’t ready to explain his tax returns, but Steve Almond wants to reveal every sordid detail of his own.

In the wake of the recent Chick-fil-A controversy, Greg M. Epstein argues that the religious right has long held an unjustified monopoly on “family values.” But, he asks, what about the rest of us?

Unlike his outspoken late father George, R.B. Scott says Mitt’s mode of political Russian Roulette is saying too little.

Of course corporations aren’t people. But Wendy Kaminer says like the individuals engaged in them, businesses require constitutional protection against abuses of government power.

Kerry Healey says it’s time for Americans to realize what our appetite for illegal drugs does to the individuals who are compelled — economically or at gun point — to produce, process and transport the illegal drugs we use.