activism
Grassroots campaigns have proven instrumental in bringing about political, social or environmental change; you've got to start somewhere-might as well start here.
“Anti-Woke” - the New Code for Anti-Blackness
Whenever I read the article of a so-called “anti-woke” person, I pick up on the overwhelmingly negative, mean-spirited, and yes, anti-Black energy coming from the writer. This is not surprising, given that the term “anti-woke” – for the most part – is simply a cover for anti-Blackness. Those who describe themselves as “anti-woke” tend to couch their distaste for “wokeness” in terms of a general dislike of left-wing causes; but make no mistake, the anti-woke brigade’s primary obsession is an aversion to racial justice.
Clare XanthosPublished a day ago in The Swamp
Calling Marianne Williamson' Kooky' Reeks of Sexism
In March of 2023, spiritual leftist and failed 2020 presidential democratic nominee Marianne Williamson announced her bid for the presidency. Almost immediately, commentators began attacking, not her policies, but her kookiness. "Let the Cranks Run," Jack Shafer argued in Politico, a picture of Williamson on the thumbnail. "If I had a, what's it called? A little globe here, a crystal ball," Biden's press secretary mocked when asked about her bid, "Then I can tell you…. If I could feel her aura. I just don't have anything to share on that."
Alex Mell-TaylorPublished 4 days ago in The Swamp
Disney Doesn't Need To Campaign For Copyright Extension
For years, Disney, and all major media holders, have pushed to extend copyright so that their Intellectual Property can remain outside the public domain — i.e., materials not protected by IP laws. Their political meddling has been detrimental to our property laws. As I wrote in The MCU Was Never A Bold, New Experiment in Cinema:
Alex Mell-TaylorPublished 4 days ago in The Swamp
Is Hell really for children?
I just saw a headline about Child Labor laws and I thought, 'wow, it's been awhile since this topic of conversation has been brought up.' I immediately thought about Martha Stewart and her time in jail for the crime of employing "underage" workers, or so "they" said. In other countries of course the laws are different, if they even have laws, and there are many children put to work. As a huge fan of the Olympics, I spent most of my "spoiled American childhood" pondering why other countries like Russia, China, and even smaller countries than America could produce better skaters or gymnasts. America has all the equipment and wealth, so how was it possible? How did Japan come out of WW2 as the leader in technology? Sony? Well, I could ponder these things forever I suppose, but I ended my quest for answers about it when I had heard that poor Martha Stewart had to spend time in jail or prison for some kind of "child labor law" infringement. I suppose they had to beat up Martha because they were sick of fine china on the dining room table or that she was a better chef or had more money selling dishes. She should write an anthem for petty American cop wannabes titled "The Vengeance We Seek". I'm sure the experience only made her stronger and wiser, but I am ashamed of that part of American history. As if the crucifying of O.J. Simpson or Bill Cosby isn't bad enough. Some people still ask "Has it really gotten that bad?" as if they are totally unaware of how History can not be separated from the future as long as memory remains loyal. I never forgot the voice of one who said to me, "When will you believe in nothing?" or "When do you stop being a mother?" I wonder if I lacked the power of my conviction.
Shanon Marie Clare Angermeyer NormanPublished 5 days ago in The Swamp
The Flint Water Crisis
On March 25, 2013, the Flint City Council approved a deal to purchase 16 million gallons of water per day from the Karegnondi Water Authority (KWA), sourced from Lake Huron. This move broke Flint away from a nearly 40 year deal with the Detroit Water and Sewage Department (DWSD). There are many reasons to believe that the decision by the city of Flint to sign a deal with the KWA was short sighted, inconsiderate of Flint’s residents and ultimately detrimental to the city as a whole. Many of the problems leading up to Flint participating with the KWA are largely an issue of widespread structural racism and, too often, blatant disregard for the citizens of Flint, a majority African-American. In light of the elaborate and reckless exploitation of Flint’s residents through strategic racism, it is clear that the main reason Flint’s deal with the KWA was not made in the best interest of its residents is a lack of legitimate financing (or rather, shady financing) and politics taking precedence over economics at all levels of management by members of the KWA. Similar dilemma’s plagued the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the MI State Treasury, and even various Emergency Managers (EMs) who had been brought in precisely to help find solutions to such problems. Flint’s participation with the KWA would only serve to increase the already high water bill for Flint’s residents, as major water waste forced them to pay for more than was ever consumed, at a higher average cost. Flint’s residents were additionally served the bill for expensive repairs necessary to make Flint’s in-house water treatment plant operational, although only temporarily.
Lucas DeanPublished 5 days ago in The Swamp
What Happened to the Other Parties?
I came from a family of Republicans. They were obsessed with elephants. I laugh about it now. I always registered as an Independent until I had discovered the Libertarian party, then I had registered that way. When I became a felon in 2018, my voting privilege became suspended. When I updated my driver's license, the question of voting came up and I knew not which party to choose so I skipped it. The options I wanted (Green, Libertarian, or Independent) were not listed. If my option isn't there, why should I choose something that is not accurate?
Shanon Marie Clare Angermeyer NormanPublished 5 days ago in The SwampHBCUs Should Recruit Anti-Racist Faculty
The prevailing thought in the Black community is that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are safe spaces where Black students get a perhaps once-in-a-lifetime chance to not be a marginalized minority; to experience a discrimination-free higher education; and to be treated as a human-being, as opposed to struggling through the typical “learning-while-Black” experience. This feel-good image of HBCUs was somewhat diminished following two racially-charged incidents at the end of 2022.
Clare XanthosPublished 7 days ago in The SwampPosie Parker's Hate Tour: The Feminist Mask of Fascism
Fascists Might Fear Trans Women. But They Are Terrified of Blak Women. Yesterday the "Let Women Speak" tour arrived in Canberra. It was during this rally that the police assaulted pro-trans Senator Lydia Thorpe.
Stevi-Lee AlverPublished 7 days ago in The Swamp
Queerness as a State of Mind
Today, I read a sickening piece by June Kirri. I won't reference the title, as it is quite triggering. The title needs a trigger warning. So, as you can imagine, the article requires a giant screaming trigger warning. The article discusses a violent crime and the inadequacy, and inherent discrimination, of the legislative system.
Stevi-Lee AlverPublished 10 days ago in The Swamp
"The Prospects and Implications of a Trump Indictment: Legal and Political Perspectives"
Possible article: Trump Indictment: Legal and Political Implications The possibility of former President Donald Trump being indicted on criminal charges has been a contentious issue in the United States since he left office in January 2021. While some legal experts argue that Trump should face accountability for his alleged wrongdoing, others claim that such a move would be politically motivated and divisive. However, recent developments suggest that the prospect of a Trump indictment is gaining momentum, and the implications of such an event could be significant for the country's legal and political landscape.
prabas naiduPublished 10 days ago in The Swamp
Why is spring a key factor in determining the outcome of the war for Ukraine?
Winter has descended on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, effectively immobilizing both troops. Nobody wants to battle in the middle of a harsh European winter, including the Russians! Hence, for the time being, both armies are battling over minor Eastern villages and cities. Yet spring is on its way, and with it, the possibility of a new battle. Might this spring decide who wins the Russia-Ukraine conflict? ❕❕😠🆚😡❗❗
Infographics ShowPublished 15 days ago in The Swamp
BREAKING: Russian Fighter Jet Collides With US Drone Over The Black Sea
A Russian jet has forced down a U.S drone over the Black Sea after damaging its propeller over international waters of the Black Sea. According to the U.S., Air Force Europe, an MQ nine Reaper drone, a U.S. Air Force surveillance drone or a spy drone was flying over the Black Sea when, according to the Air Force, two Russian fighter jets conducted what they're calling an unsafe and unprofessional interception. That's just the beginning of it. According to the Air Force, the two Russian SU 27 flanker fighter jets repeatedly flew in front of the MQ nine Reaper drone, apparently in an attempt to disrupt or disturb its flight pattern, even dumping fuel in front of that U.S. Reaper drone.
