The Swamp
The Swamp examines the crazy but true world of Politics. Discover its history, corruption, politicians, activists, and more.
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Stories in The Swamp that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
Overturn of Roe v Wade
June 25, 2022. Friday Morning. Every American woke up to breaking news of the Supreme Court overturning a ruling that had been in place for decades. States are now allowed to implement a ban on abortions and it will not be found unconstitutional. Roe v Wade was important because it allowed women to decide what to do with their body in the event of a pregnancy. In modern times, any person who becomes pregnant should be allow to decide whether or not to give birth. There are currently 13 states that have an abortion ban implemented, putting access to abortion in jeopardy.
Iris HarrisPublished about 11 hours ago in The SwampAffordable Housing Is Dead
There are two types of people in the world, homeowners and renters. I'm a long-time renter. There was a period of time when I moved every year, mostly because I liked being semi-nomadic, and wanted to experience a different part of the city. I became proficient at packing and organizing. I love the excitement of getting into a new place, settling in, and making it my own. A few years ago, I spent several months being truly nomadic, living in a small camper and traveling across the states. You can read all about that adventure here: https://vocal.media/petlife/my-epic-rv-adventure
Lois CunniffPublished 13 days ago in The SwampEconomic collapse is upon us
I remember being a kid when my parents had to go through a financial crisis. It was back in 2008 and it was caused by the American housing bubble. Back then I only felt it partly because my parents made sure that I and my sister were well-taken care of.
Drake FlyerPublished about a month ago in The Swamp
Deeper Problems at the Oscars
Most people are understandably talking about Will Smith really slapping Chris Rock in the face at last night's Oscar ceremony, after Rock made a tasteless joke about Will's wife Jada Pinkett Smith's hair (she has alopecia or hair loss). What Smith did was wrong, no doubt, but that incident uncovered more serious issues:
Paul LevinsonPublished 3 months ago in The SwampCould Vlad Be Removed From Power?
Vladimir Putin has been in power for 20 years. His political party, the 'United Russia Party', is accused of rigging the vote at general elections. This results in Mr Putin staying in power. Any opposition parties are sidelined and cannot get the opportunity to broadcast alternative policies. Putin's opponents usually end up silenced, exiled, or in prison. Look at Putin's most vociferous opponent, Alexi Navalny, doing time on trumped-up charges.
Nicholas BishopPublished 3 months ago in The Swamp
The Heart of the Issue
I'm up late reading when I get the Apple news app notification. Ukraine is under attack. My first thought is, "when words fail..."
War in Ukraine
I was born and live in a country neighboring Russia. Every day I hear about how good life was in Soviet times. Mostly I hear from people of retirement age. Young people like me no longer remember those years, we grew up on European values. We grew up with Harry Potter and Marvel heroes and believe in democracy, not socialism.
Super Bowl LVI: Inglewood—Fantasy vs. Reality
As someone doesn’t watch American football regularly, but almost always catches the occasional playoff game and usually the Super Bowl, I was pretty excited to learn that Super Bowl LVI would be coming to the newly built SoFi stadium in Inglewood. I’ve always wanted to attend the Super Bowl at least once out of sheer curiosity. Plus, it looks fun! The biggest party of the year, right?
Kimberli Alisa WongPublished 4 months ago in The Swamp
Collections
Themed story collections curated by the Vocal moderators.
Dear Donald
Open letters to the President of the United States from the people of the world. Submit your own grievances, praises, and suggestions through Vocal today.
Political Humor
Where political gaffes become comedy fodder.
Dear Theresa
Open letters to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; do it like they do on Downing Street.
Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in The Swamp.
Do you have a bank account in a foreign country - This is what you need to know
n today's globalization world, it is fairly common for U.S taxpayers to have one or more financial accounts located outside of the U.S. By definition, financial accounts are included checking & saving bank accounts, pension accounts, and investment accounts. But you might be surprised that you have to report your money in foreign bank accounts to the U.S. In addition, you have to file a special form with FinCEN, the U.S Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes and Enforcement Network. This special form is commonly called “FBAR” or FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts.
Samuel LaiPublished about 5 hours ago in The Swamp
I Am Not A Uterus
I used to be proud to be an American. When I was a child, I did not quite understand what that meant. I loved celebrating Independence Day because we would spend most of the day outside, grilling and playing in the yard. It was a day that my dad had off from work. In the evening, we would go to the fireworks and spend time together as a family.
Jen SullivanPublished about 7 hours ago in The SwampOverturn of Roe v Wade
June 25, 2022. Friday Morning. Every American woke up to breaking news of the Supreme Court overturning a ruling that had been in place for decades. States are now allowed to implement a ban on abortions and it will not be found unconstitutional. Roe v Wade was important because it allowed women to decide what to do with their body in the event of a pregnancy. In modern times, any person who becomes pregnant should be allow to decide whether or not to give birth. There are currently 13 states that have an abortion ban implemented, putting access to abortion in jeopardy.
Iris HarrisPublished about 11 hours ago in The Swamp
Legal Age To Vape & More Vaping Laws in the UK
Individuals change to vaping basically on the grounds that they think of it as a better other option and a method for stopping smoking for good. Smoking causes medical problems that ruin your way of life and upset your state of being antagonistically. Subsequently, many individuals who appreciate nicotine however don't have any desire to take other risky mixtures from cigarettes have gone to vape.
Robert johnPublished about 12 hours ago in The SwampThe Rights of My Daughter
I live in Missouri where they signed a law making abortions illegal within moments of the decision of the Supreme Court to overturn Roe V. Wade. At first, I was thanking the heavens that I had a tubal ligation 13 years ago and that this isn't going to affect me fully. In thinking that, I wasn't seeing the bigger picture. I began watching videos of countless women angry that our right to choose was taken away. Again, I thought, "Well I don't have to choose anymore, I don't need to voice my opinion." As the day moved forward, I began to think more and more about the effects this is going to have on women. Women are going to seek illegal, backdoor abortions and potentially not survive someone who may or may not be a doctor. They might die on the table or later when they get home from a hemorrhage. What if they have a miscarriage? Some states are going to make it punishable by law to have a miscarriage. I had one, it was not in my control at all. I can't imagine looking at jail time over something that had already destroyed me. Women can't even purchase the Plan B pill to keep from getting pregnant or seek medical assistance to get an abortion pill if needed. What does this mean for women who have an ectopic pregnancy? Oh well, you're going to die but at least we gave the child a shot at life? I'm pissed. I am overwhelmed at the possible future my daughter and my step-daughter are going to have to face. What about the women who were raped and now are forced to have the child of a predator? I can't imagine. I don't want to imagine.
Cynthia PaulPublished a day ago in The Swamp
The Talmud vs. the Supreme Court Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade
The Jewish Talmud generally holds that life begins with the first breath (see, for example, When Does Life Begin? A Jewish View). What would this mean for a Jewish woman who wants to have an abortion in a state in which abortion is banned, due to yesterday's U.S. Supreme Court decision?
Paul LevinsonPublished a day ago in The SwampHey historians, can history be objective?
I recently came across two fascinating podcasts. The first was a history podcast called Dan Carlin's Hardcore History. Carlin uses his signature dramatic and exaggerated reenactment-style performance to bring history to life with amazing personal stories of historical figures, vivid narration of primary source accounts and well produced dramatic production.
Hector AllemandPublished 3 days ago in The SwampTubal Ligation and Giving the Game Away
Tubal ligation is an elective surgery to permanently serialize a woman. It is low risk, can be done on an outpatient basis and can be done immediately after childbirth. Its availability recently became a topic on twitter.
Buck HardcastlePublished 3 days ago in The Swamp
Creators We’re Loving
The creative faces behind your favorite stories.
Drake Flyer
3 published stories
Erin Shea
12 published stories
Nicholas Bishop
41 published stories
Jade Cinders
3 published stories
Kimberli Alisa Wong
4 published stories
Taru Anniina Liikanen
45 published stories
Paul Levinson
603 published stories
Ford Kidd
29 published stories
Iris Harris
38 published stories
Conor Matthews
39 published stories
Katie Jgln
39 published stories
Lois Cunniff
9 published stories
