opinion
Opinion pieces from the left, right, and everyone in between.
Return to "Normalcy:" An Original Podcast Script
This is a script I wrote for potential inclusion in the podcast series "A Moment of Your Time." It's a fantastic podcast with incredibly short episodes where writers, artists, and storytellers show off what they can do, and you should definitely check out the show. I actually entered twice, also submitting an original song, but I never received a response back from the show. Because of this, I wanted to publish the script I wrote for the show here. I've edited it for clarity, but the points are the same. I really hope you enjoy it.
Jamie LammersPublished 3 years ago in The SwampStep Into Another's Shoes
“Take a walk in another's shoes before passing fleeting judgment.” “Remember when you were in a similar predicament?”
DeeAnndra DovePublished 3 years ago in The Swamp5 Pandemic Changes we ought to keep (and 3 that need to end immediately)
COVID-19 is not the only disease out there in the world. Even as vaccines bring the pandemic under control (but it is not over) that doesn’t mean that we should aim to get everything back to the way it was in 2019. Even though this last year has been defined by illness, its been one of health for me. This last year I haven’t had a cold once, I’ve never gone that long without one. That was kind of nice, maybe we shouldn’t give up all of our social distancing measures. Here’s some changes that should stay:
Buck HardcastlePublished 3 years ago in The SwampLebron James Should Stick to Basketball
I love the sport of basketball. During my childhood, my brother and I competed against each other in slam dunk competitions with our Nerf Hoop. As I got older, I played a little school ball and then in college, I laced up my shoes to play on a couple of intramural leagues. I love March Madness and was devastated when the tournament was canceled because of Covid. Concerning the NBA, I'm a fan of the 80's and early 90's athletes. Though people vehemently debate the issue, I believe Michael Jordan to be the greatest of all time. However, I loved watching Larry Bird shoot, Dr. J dunk, and Magic Johnson pass the ball. Kareem amazed me with his patented sky hook. Honestly, within the last 20 years, only a couple of players come to my mind that have made lasting impressions...Kobe Bryant and Lebron James. Sadly, Kobe Bryant passed away in a tragic accident in 2020. Lebron James continues to wow fans, when uninjured, but his agent should instruct him to stick to basketball.
China and Socialism are the Destroyers of the Amazon
China imports approx. 100 Billion in food. China exports approx. 50 Billion and a portion of that is food they repackage from imports.
John Charles HarmanPublished 3 years ago in The SwampClouded Judgement : An opinioned think piece
The day was Saturday, October 22, 2016. I was downtown Charlotte at the Carole Hefner Center, watching the rapper/activist, David Banner, speak.
Brad MasonPublished 3 years ago in The SwampPolice Altercations With African-Americans
Over the last few years, altercations between police and African-American individuals have been at the forefront of news, politics and culture. But generally speaking, there seems to be a trend in which the media and cultural influencers seem to look at the issue from only one side. We simply cannot paint all incidents between police officers and any individual with the same brush.
Realist or Royalist?
The recent turmoil and tragedy facing the British Royal family has caused me to reflect on what my opinion of them as an institution really is. And it has caused me to question and consider the truth about a lot of my deeply held beliefs.
Matty LongPublished 3 years ago in The Swamp- Top Story - April 2021
Can Writers Be Apolitical?
Short answer: no. No, they cannot. Long answer: it's a little more complicated than that. I find discussions of politics to be incredibly fascinating. Maybe it's because I study in a program heavily based on politics and write about current affairs every day. Growing up, I was privy to a phrase that rings in my ears to this day. Three things you never talk about: money, politics and religion. I have to say, even as a child, I thought this was a weird turn of phrase. On the smörgåsbord of interesting conversational topics, why is politics off limit? What about politics triggers our delicate sensibilities and makes such topics untenable?
Laquesha BaileyPublished 3 years ago in The Swamp Isn't That Your Job?
While I sit at home and contemplate my life, as I’ve had ample time to do this past year, I’m reminded of my first semester at Simon Fraser University. Back then I was 19, bright-eyed and blissfully unaware that I would be completing my university studies from the comfort of my living room. My first class at Simon Fraser was Criminology 135: Introduction to Canadian Law and Legal Institutions and my professor was a stern man who had once been the Attorney General. I loved it. So much so that I began doing things like drinking coffee and pulling all-nighters to ensure that I performed well because, like everyone says, “college is where it really counts”.
Zachary BennettPublished 3 years ago in The SwampYou Are Part of the Problem
I have a few things to say here, and I’m not sorry. This stuff is really bugging me; the cognitive dissonance is strong (and I don’t know why it’s not the same for those of you for whom this applies). Holding such starkly opposing views so strongly should cause cognitive dissonance... and if it doesn’t, there’s some work you need to do. There are a lot more examples than just those listed here, and I’m sorry if I missed yours, but writing all these out is depressing.
Jenn KirklandPublished 3 years ago in The SwampThe Jim Crow Shtick
BRYCE ON POLITICS - It's a tired old game. When it comes to voting reform, Democrats gleefully point at their pending H.R.1 "For the People" Act which they claim will make voting accessible to more people, most of whom are illegal aliens. When the Republicans push for voter reform, such as what was recently implemented in Georgia, the Democrats accuse them of implementing racially designed "Jim Crow" laws. Even President Biden called the Georgia law, "Jim Crow in the 21st Century," as well as many other Democrats and left-leaning media personnel.