Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in The Swamp.
Peace: Is It Possible?
I have written several pieces on the subject of peace. So far, none of them have managed to create a more peaceful planet, unfortunately. But I'm not going to stop trying.
Michael BlairPublished 6 years ago in The SwampFunniest Trump Political Cartoons from 2017
Donald Trump has been both good and bad for comedy. He's incredibly easy to trash, but there's such a glut of it, and he does so much dumb shit that it can sometimes feel like baling water. It can feel like everything that can be said about the President has been said by someone who said it better; and that's why the funniest Trump political cartoons from 2017 are true works of art.
Joseph FarleyPublished 6 years ago in The SwampIs the GOP Really on Its Deathbed?
To paraphrase Mark Twain, "The reports of the death of the GOP are greatly exaggerated." To listen to the mainstream media, they would have us believe the Republican party is in disarray and on its deathbed, that the Democrats have already sewn up the Congressional midterm elections for 2018, thereby enabling them to finally impeach President Trump. All I can say is "Bwahahahaha!" This is designed to create nothing more than political intrigue so they can maximize viewer/readership and sell advertising. In other words, none of it is based on fact, just money.
Having No Fear in an America That's Trying to Make Us Powerless
When I think about movements of progress and innovation, I picture courageous leaders. These women, men, and even young folks that are passionate, or inspired by their communities, the wrongdoings that overarching systems of power have weighted on them, decided that enough is enough. They may have been fearful, but they took up their arms of power, their voices, their bodies, their writing, their minds and showed up for their brothers and sisters. We all make a choice every day. Do we want to stay silent during this pivotal time, where our rights are being stripped? As a Black queer woman, I feel like it is my time to stand up (as we always have). I may not have that much money, but my words are rich. When we get up to serve, with conviction, dignity, selflessness, and intellect individually, we make a decision to use our power and talents to see progress. We do this to elevate ourselves out of poverty, out of degradation of our image by our families and culture or by media perpetuations, from flawed institutions such as religious spaces. For example: How can you be a part of a religious institution that is supposed to be your home and comfort when you cannot bring all of yourself to it? Checking your struggles at the door for a spiritual session that forces hurt people, scarred people, broken people, to join you, only if they have to dress up their problems with a smile and a suit, or force themselves to feel a spirit that is just simply not there. Why would a person want to contribute to that divide that patriarchy brings, when we are just a fraction of the way for progress for all women in America, and globally? Religion should be rooted in peace and healing; we really come to religion because we are afraid, or broken, or damaged, to cry out and seek comfort. But what we end up with is shame and short-lived bursts of hope. Without social action we will continue to give into the failed system that is leaving us so disconnected, forgotten, angry, and without abundant good.
SAYHERNAME Morgan SankofaPublished 6 years ago in The SwampDiamonds Are Nice but Conflict Minerals Are Forever
“In America, it's bling-bling, but here in Africa, it’s bling-bang,” says a cool Leonardo Di Caprio in a very well done South African accent. The 2006 drama Blood Diamond set in Sierra Leone features a South African mercenary turned blood diamond smuggler played by Di Caprio and follows his quest for the “largest diamond he’s ever seen.” The intent of the film was not to draw attention to the blood diamond industry but the writer, Charles Leavitt, decided that he wanted to portray the diamond industry accurately. In particular, he managed to piss off global diamond industry giant De Beers, a company that specializes in jewelry, diamond exploration, and diamond mining. For those who don’t know, De Beers quite literally invented the engagement ring. The film managed to actually use De Beers as the “greater evil” that would eventually purchase the diamond sought by Di Caprio’s character. In order to really appreciate the film, you must first understand the subject matter, blood diamonds.
Chris VanderburghPublished 6 years ago in The SwampThe American Cultural Revolution of 2017
As 2017 comes to an end, the country still finds itself in the grips of political polarization, perhaps more so than under President Barack Obama. However, is this truly caused by politics, or is it cultural in nature? I tend to believe it is the latter and not the former. Allow me to explain...
UN Votes 128-9 Against U.S. Embassy's Move to Jerusalem
On Thursday's General Assembly (December 21, 2017), the United Nations voted 128 to 9 overwhelmingly condemning Presendent Donald Trump's decision to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv in Israel to Jerusalem which means recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Otis ColonPublished 6 years ago in The SwampBig City Problem...
I want to highlight an interesting concept for a grassroots movement that has the power to create human freedom that we have yet to see implemented in our world.
Michael ThielmannPublished 6 years ago in The SwampBest Trump GIFs of 2017
Politics aside for a second: Donald Trump has terrible posture and even worse body language. His suits don't fit. His ties are too long. His eating habits are awful. This has led to some incredibly awkward and clunky interactions, and if we table some of his cruel and divisive policy proposals for a bit, these moments are pretty funny.
Joseph FarleyPublished 6 years ago in The SwampSecrecy Has Kept Us Sick
Human relationships have been dominated by various shades of dark secrecy for as long as the mind cares to remember. From a macro perspective we see skeletons dancing in the closets of entertainers, politicians, and business people as leaks and accusations bring all past dirty laundry to finally be washed.
Michael ThielmannPublished 6 years ago in The SwampInside Out
Is it too late to say you're sorry America? When Ben Franklin stated when asked what kind of government was created, his reply was "a republic if you can keep it." Profound, yes, and yet all indications today point that we have lost sight of what Ben Franklin said. When government becomes to self-serving in a way that is counter-productive for the greater good of all, that government ceases to be democratic. And, like Ben Franklin has said over 250 years ago ,"if you can keep it," somehow over the course of six decades, we have lost the democracy out of our government.
Dr. WilliamsPublished 6 years ago in The SwampThe Culture of Illusion
First I would like to introduce myself. My name is Evan Allen. I was born in Canada. My family became legal Permanent Residents in the USA in 2008. I currently reside in Las Vegas. In this article I will share with you the difference in each country in a number of topic. Most in which the people that run the USA will tell you isn't true. Why? Well if Americans knew the truth they might just like it.(Information may vary state to state or province to province.)
Evan AllenPublished 6 years ago in The Swamp