Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in The Swamp.
From Democracy to Plutocracy
“The abuse of buying and selling votes crept in and money began to play an important part in determining elections. Later on, this process of corruption spread to the law courts, and then to the army, and finally, the Republic was subjected to the rule of emperors.” - Plutarch
By Alexander Hilton8 years ago in The Swamp
The Cold War: Has It Started Again or Did It Ever Actually End?
The Cold War started in 1947 between the two greatest superpowers at the time, America and the Soviet Union (USSR). Although many believe it is over, there was never a clear winner in this social, political, and economic war. However, the Cold War is still going, therefore no one won. This can be proven in; the Korean War being a stalemate and the Vietnam War and the Space Race cancelling the other’s win out. The Cuban Missile Crisis was another stalemate, plus treaties were created to not allow further conflict. Even the USSR dissolving did not mark the end of the Cold War, and political events from 1999-2017 being further proof that the Cold War has not finished.
By Lilli Behom8 years ago in The Swamp
Voter Angst and Political Ideology
President Franklin Roosevelt created "The National Welfare System" as a short-term program to provide work relief for millions of unemployed Americans following the Great Depression. Over the years it was expanded to include public assistance programs, which were embraced by "both political parties although conservatives began denying the fact during Ronald Reagan's tenure as president when the Republican ideology moved more to the right.
By Jerrie DeRose8 years ago in The Swamp
Mind The Gap: Education & Employment Outcomes
Earlier this month, Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner was quoted as having said that “white working-class boys are being left behind because of the 'negative impact' of a focus on ethnic minorities and women.” That’s not what she actually meant, but her clumsy wording did make it seem as though she was blaming affirmative action for the poor educational outcomes of indigenous British boys. What she says she actually meant is that immigrant families send stronger messages about the importance of education to their children, and white working-class families tend not to. Therefore a cultural change is necessary because white British boys have not been specifically targeted for additional support in the same way that ethnic minorities and female students have (which has generated improvements, demonstrating that the measures work and should be continued). She wasn’t saying that if we help people with one characteristic, we’re taking assistance away from another group; more that we need to focus on changing perceptions and attitudes so that British boys don’t sabotage their futures through lack of aspirations. But that doesn’t make as punchy a headline, so the Telegraph went for something that pushed the right-wing buttons instead.
By Katy Preen8 years ago in The Swamp
Donald Trump: A Refugee’s Perspective. Top Story - January 2018.
The past few days have been unbelievably difficult for me. Watching this country, my home, the United States of America, turn into something eerily familiar and terrifying has been equal parts shocking and scary. Maybe shocking isn’t the right word because let’s be real, anyone that has truly paid attention to Donald Trump in the past year or so isn’t shocked by his actions or the most recent events. I think more than anything, I’m saddened by the amount of support he is still getting. I’m saddened by the lack of responsibility and awareness from people who put this man in office. And I’m mostly saddened by people I’ve been friends with over the years who still remain silent on these issues and this presidency. Who have I surrounded myself with the past few years? What kind of people did I grow up with? These are no friends of mine.
By Dijana Kunovac8 years ago in The Swamp
Homelessness
I love sports! Specifically the NFL and the NBA. I want to play in the NFL when I'm older. All the players are role models for many people. For example Jimmy Butler, a 3 time NBA all-star, a 3-time NBA all American, All American defensive team and the NBA's most improved player in 2015. He is one of the most consistent players in the NBA right now. But if you don't already know, he has been homeless. Kicked out of his house at the age of 13. He couldn’t get a job. But grew up to be one of the best players to play for the Bulls and the Timberwolves.
By Matthew Riet8 years ago in The Swamp
To the Gentlemen That Walked Out During My Pro-Black Speech
Picture it: On January 25, 2018, my organization hosted an open mic night for students to get on stage and share their stories with one another. It provided an opportunity for people to be more transparent with one another about the good and bad things that helped make them who they are. As president of the organization, I volunteered to start the event.
By Azaria Brown8 years ago in The Swamp
Hostile Environment. Top Story - January 2018.
Another day, another example of rich people putting spikes on things to shield them from reality. This time (I swear I am not making this up), a developer in Bristol has put spikes on the branches of trees to prevent pigeons from roosting there and pooing on the residents’ fancy cars. Have we reached Peak Privilege? I think we may have. The trees overhang the car park, and rather than cleaning their cars the good old-fashioned way, the residents requested that the building management install a preventative measure, so that they don’t get inconvenienced by unsightly bird shit. I do hope those trees aren’t deciduous (haha, yes they are!), or they’re going to be mighty upset come autumn.
By Katy Preen8 years ago in The Swamp
