Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in The Swamp.

Writing to a Government Official
Do you feel strongly about something going on in politics right now? (I'm sure your answer is, "Yes," like many other of the millions of Americans). Do you express your political beliefs/feelings to friends and family members? (I'm sure the answer is also, "Yes"). Instead of ranting to others, how about you write the politician him/her self? I'm sure you're thinking, "No, they already have enough stuff going on, they don't have time for me." I thought the same thing before I wrote to Illinois Senator, Tammy Duckworth. I've written to her twice and she has personally responded both times! I wrote about issues regarding human trafficking, a topic I feel very strongly about. The fact that she answered back, heard my voice, and promised to do something about it made my day. If you truly want to make a difference about something you really care about, I strongly encourage you to do the same!
By Ariadne Romanos8 years ago in The Swamp
The Fall of the Modern GOP
This ain't your daddy's GOP anymore. The Republican party has undergone many transformations in its 160 year existence. It was the birthplace of modern progressivism, at least that's what Teddy Roosevelt would tell you. It was a little more complex than that, with the party doing much as the modern Democratic party is doing with folks to its left, which is gobbling up all of the good ideas in order to co-opt any challengers. Now, one could say that the Republican party tried to do the same to folks on its right. Well, that is true and that is what has landed the GOP in its current predicament.
By Peter Carriveau8 years ago in The Swamp
A Message to White People: Racism Is Alive and Well in the LGBTQ+ Community
This is a message to White people, detailing what everyone else already knows: racism is alive and well in the LGBTQ+ community.
By Ziggy Moth8 years ago in The Swamp
When You Belong Everywhere and Nowhere at the Same Time
Another family gathering full of enlightening conversation brought back the realization that after a few drinks and a little bit of Brexit chat, anyone has the potential to become an enemy. I’m joking of course, despite the heated discussions there were no punches pulled. I’m hesitant to write this because, well just like Beyoncé my mum mama taught be better than slating someone over the internet, (especially when they’re related to me) as we are definitely not one of those Jeremy Kyle type families who air their grievances in public, but as my experiences of casual racism gets more and more frequent, I feel it’s important to share them and moreover, it’s cathartic to vent.
By Maria8 years ago in The Swamp
The World Watches
Thomas Jefferson once said "When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty." Now that's a strong statement...but it's true. Our governments around the world no longer represent the people who put them in power. The government has become so complacent that they have forgotten whose needs come first. America isn't the only place where it's happening; it's happening around the world! We see it every day, whether we like it or not. The government doesn't represent us anymore.
By Cedric Joubert8 years ago in The Swamp
Dealing with Law Enforcement
BRYCE ON COPS - Should you be adversarial or respectful? Click for AUDIO VERSION. I recently found myself embroiled in a passionate argument about law enforcement. Someone had posted a video on social media showing a man in his car eluding police allegedly after a road rage incident. He refused to stop until he pulled into his driveway at home. The fact he failed to acknowledge police commands and argued loudly when he was caught agitated the police who forced him to the ground and put him in handcuffs. A few of the viewers commented how outrageous the police acted and they would have done likewise in resisting arrest. In contrast, I made the remark the suspect only had himself to blame; had he done as he was instructed, I doubt it would have turned into an ugly episode.
By Tim Bryce8 years ago in The Swamp
Writing a New Constitution
Here is a radical idea to bring about social change. The Constitution is constantly in motion, in flux. We need to write a new one altogether since The Civil Rights Act is a major change made in 1964. The Civil Rights Act of 1991 allowed employees to sue their employers for discrimination. There have been major amendments to the Constitution but we as a country need to rewrite it to suit us. This is why I’m proposing rewriting the Constitution altogether to reflect modern times and a desire to state that we are all social equals without regard to race, religion or political leaning.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez8 years ago in The Swamp
Politics Plain and Simple?
Not every reader is going to embrace what I have to say or possibly agree with what I am saying, and that is alright with me. It is my right and your right to agree or disagree peaceably with each other.
By Carolann Sherwood8 years ago in The Swamp
My Experience at March 4 Our Lives LA
17. Students. Teachers. Children. Parents. Siblings. Loved ones. Killed. February 14, Valentine's Day. A day to tell the people you love just how much they mean to you. But, on February 14, 2018 in Parkland, Florida, it would become the worst day of their lives.
By Mina Johnson8 years ago in The Swamp
Why Are the Democrats Turning to Socialism?
BRYCE ON POLITICS - Most people do not understand the differences between Capitalism and Socialism. Click for AUDIO VERSION.
By Tim Bryce8 years ago in The Swamp
Why Israel Matters
Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for Donald Trump, is currently celebrating the publication of his new book Jerusalem: A Biblical and Historical Case for the Jewish Capital. Chief among the arguments presented in the book is Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish nation-state and, inevitably, the right to defend itself against any threats.
By Ezra Berkman8 years ago in The Swamp
Putin, Trump & 'Russian Roulette'. Top Story - July 2018.
As of writing, we are eighteen months into the presidency of Donald Trump. That time in office has found his administration, intelligence agencies, and the news media focused on lingering questions from the 2016 election.
By Matthew Kresal8 years ago in The Swamp