Drug courts work because they are different. They were invented by frustrated judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys who saw that what they had been doing wasn’t working. They came up with a program within the court system where addicted offenders were given a chance to turn their lives around.

After the Bangladesh garment factory collapse in April that left more than 1,100 workers dead, their broken bodies mingled with brand-name clothing tags, the country’s politicians and sweatshop owners no doubt hoped the resulting furor over worker rights and safety would soon blow over. It hasn’t.

The marriage rate per 1,000 in population in the United States is currently at 6.8, whereas the divorce rate per 1000 in population is 3.4, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Do the math: Half of the country’s marriages are ending in divorce.

In 1986, Congress overhauled the federal tax code, purging it of various exemptions, deductions and credits and using the savings to reduce marginal rates on both individuals and firms.

President Barack Obama called Nelson Mandela a “world hero.” Mandela has exhibited that rarest of qualities for national leaders: Grace.

We can understand if Republicans and Democrats fight when they disagree. But it makes no sense at all when they are on the same side and fight anyway.

Mohamed Morsi still probably would be the president of Egypt if he had governed in an inclusive and effective way. It’s possible to recognize that fact and still lament the willingness of the Egyptian military to undo the results of a free and fair election that occurred only a year ago.

There are advantages to being first with a new idea. If it works, you get the benefit while others are still stuck in the past. Advantages, however, also come to those who wait. They get to see where the pitfalls are and learn from others’ mistakes.

We all know what Gov. Paul LePage thinks about wind power: He hates it.