controversies
It seems every time one racially-charged incident ends, a gender or religious controversy takes its place; Ruminate on the issues dividing our nation and world.
“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 about 22 hours ago in The Swamp"Give Me Four Years to Teach the Children"
“Give me four years to teach the children, and the seed I have sown will never be uprooted.” So said Russia’s Vladimir Lenin, explaining the importance of taking over the educational system of a country in order to change its entire society. Controlling education, which includes controlling what books students — and in most cases, eventually, people of all ages — are allowed to read, has been one of the first steps many fascist dictators and governments have taken to fuel their rise to power.
Kriselda GrayPublished a day ago in The Swamp
The Crisis of Public Mass Shootings
Many people are currently mourning or discussing the latest tragic school shooting. It's so difficult for us elders (those over 40 years of age) to respond to this the same way we did 30 or more years ago. We've seen it too many times. It's not that we don't care, it's just that we feel it is out of our hands. No matter what we say or do, it's not enough and it doesn't seem to stop it from happening so why should we even talk about it? I'm only mentioning it out of respect and because I still do have compassion. I have compassion for those who want to believe in education. I feel for the families who are crying or mourning the loss of a loved one to a death situation that was shockingly unexpected and unnecessary. And my sadness is that there is nothing I can do about it. Sending a sympathy card or flowers seems pathetic and more callous than I have been accused of being in my bitter, cynical old age.
Shanon Marie Clare Angermeyer NormanPublished a day ago in The Swamp
Humza Yousaf: More of The Same.
Many thought that with the departure of Nicola Sturgeon, the independence bid for Scotland might go with her. Two candidates might take not it so seriously Ash Regan and Kate Forbes. Humza Yousaf was the Sturgeonite carry-on as before candidate.
Nicholas BishopPublished 2 days 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
Türkiye Recalls Ambassador in Response to Assyrian Genocide Acknowledgement
January 20th (Ankara, Türkiye) – Türkiye (formerly known as “Turkey”) has immediately recalled its ambassador back home for consultations in response to the signing of the second of ten Executive Orders the newly installed President of the United States presented during the inauguration ceremony. Further, the NATO ally and host to two American military bases—one of which contains tactical nuclear weapons—summoned the United States Ambassador for a dressing down, reportedly by the President of Türkiye directly. While Türkiye and the United States are often at odds on the world stage, the alliance between the two countries has remained steadfast for decades and issues are usually quietly resolved behind the scenes.
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 4 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 4 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 6 days ago in The Swamp
Banning TikTok is Against Your 1st Amendment Right
TikTok, a video-sharing app, has become a worldwide phenomenon, allowing users to create and share short videos with millions of people worldwide. Recently, the United States government has raised concerns over TikTok's security and privacy issues, leading to calls for its ban. However, banning TikTok in the United States would be against the 1st Amendment, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech.
Jodi BerkleyPublished 7 days ago in The Swamp
