politics

Politics does not dictate our collective cultural mindset as much as it simply reflects it; We've got to look in the mirror sometimes, and we've got one.

A New Contract with America
BRYCE ON POLITICS How the Republicans can take back the House. Click for AUDIO VERSION. The Republicans have a problem. They botched control and lost the House of Representatives to the Democrats. This was not surprising, as they did not inspire public confidence and their leadership was sorely lacking. I liked Paul Ryan as a member of the House, but thought he was in over his head as Speaker. Americans saw it as nothing more than, "same old, same old," and voted them out. Had the Republicans been more aggressive and demonstrated some unity, they would still be in control. They plain and simply did not, and this is an important lesson for the Senate to observe as well.
By Tim Bryce7 years ago in The Swamp
Brexit: Article 50 Petition Calling for Brexit to Be Cancelled Reaches 6 Million Signatures Ahead of Parliament Debate
As the UK Government and Parliament try to figure out how to continue the Brexit process (the process of the UK leaving the European Union), the public has come out in waves to call on the UK Government to cancel Brexit.
By Jack Wilkinson7 years ago in The Swamp
When Democracy Is the Song We Sing (But Only When We’re Winning)
We hear a lot of discussion about “Democracy” but the definition can be as polarised as the referendum result itself. To a section of leave voters, democracy is a one time statement of intent, in this case to leave the European Union, to a section of Remain voters, it’s fair play, honesty and the ability to change one’s mind.
By Chloe Baker7 years ago in The Swamp
Is It Time to Look Away from the Mainstream?
British politics is in the midst of a total upheaval. The Conservatives are moving closer to ousting out their leader and Labour are lacking the cutting edge of a party in opposition. With the Brexit stalemate continuing, British voters could be forgiven for looking elsewhere for answers on how their country should be run.
By Patrick Hollis7 years ago in The Swamp
Is This The Best We Can Do?
Are America's best days behind us? Many people might actually agree with that statement. Then again there are those who have a more optimistic appraisal. But, one can not help ponder how we managed as a nation to get so twisted. The upside down world we live in today would have been unthinkable 60 years ago. The tragic part of it all is that we have been brainwashed by a power structure that has been able to keep the American public unaware of the consequences of what our government has been doing right under our nose.
By Dr. Williams7 years ago in The Swamp
Democracy Versus Republic
BRYCE ON POLITICS Do you know the difference? Click for AUDIO VERSION. One of my pet peeves involving politics is when people misstate our form of government. Normally, I would claim this as the fault of uneducated young people, but many politicians and members of the press, as well as grown-ups, are also guilty of this faux pas. No, we most definitely do not live in a "democracy," but a "constitutional republic" instead, as does most of the governments in the world.
By Tim Bryce7 years ago in The Swamp
Second Brexit Referendum
Brexit is the name given to the UK decision to leave the European Union. The EU is is a political and economic union of 28 member states that are located primarily in Europe. It has an area of 4,475,757 km² and an estimated population of about 513 million. 28 is soon to become 27 as the United Kingdom is set to leave the EU on the 29th March. The Brexit vote was a campaign promise by David Cameron in his 2015 general election in order to make sure UKIP who are a far-right political party didn't take their voters and cause a Labour government. The UK uses a first by the post voting system where you vote for one MP in your area and the first to 326 wins. If unable to get to that number, a hung parliament is caused, which has happened twice in the history of the UK. In the summer of 2016, the historic Brexit vote took place and leave won. However, it has emerged that vote leave broke electoral regulations during the campaign and have been fined £100,000, the most famous example was the bus which lied about the amount of money the UK sent to the EU.
By Hunter Jacks7 years ago in The Swamp
Labour Shows Support for Second Referendum—but at What Cost?
This week the Labour Party officially announced that the party would, as a collective, seek out and support efforts for a second Brexit referendum, fulfilling their expectations of being the party to oppose Brexit and to remain within the EU. It is a move which should put to an end any speculation of further MP departures and it finally, after what seems like months of disarray, gives Labour a clear and common goal to rally behind.
By Patrick Hollis7 years ago in The Swamp
The Trump Cultural Revolution
Bryce on Politics: Click for audio version. When I hear the vicious political discourse and boisterous hyperbole of today, it suggests to me the country is embroiled in a cultural revolution the likes of which we haven't seen since before the Civil War. One of the basic precepts regarding culture is, in order for a person to function and succeed, he/she must learn to conform to the culture or face rejection. Enter the ultimate outsider to our federal government, Donald Trump, a businessman who has never held political office. It is the very fact he was an outsider that propelled him to the Presidency. After all, people had grown weary of "business as usual" in the nation's capitol by both Republicans and Democrats, and were ready for a change.
By Tim Bryce7 years ago in The Swamp
The Independent Group: How It Splits the Left
This week has seen a handful of UK Members of Parliament leaving the independent centralist group. Eight MPs have parted ways with their parties in what can be described as a protest, the way in which their parties and the government as a whole are conducting themselves. It is also an act that highlights the level of deficiency of the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn, and it is only going to weaken the party.
By Patrick Hollis7 years ago in The Swamp
Socialism
What is socialism? Socialism by definition is: “A political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.”
By Thomas Brandes7 years ago in The Swamp
Time for a National Debate on Socialism
BRYCE ON POLITICS Thanks to Rep. Alexandria Ortega-Cortez. Click for AUDIO VERSION. At the February 5, 2019 State of the Union address, President Trump threw down the gauntlet to Democrats by declaring, "America was founded on liberty and independence, and not government coercion, domination, and control. We are born free, and we will stay free. Tonight, we renew our resolve that America will never be a socialist country." Needless to say, this was not well received by Democrats who have been moving the party in that direction for quite some time. However, this needed to be said as it opened the doors for a long-overdue discussion on the differences between capitalism and socialism, something that schools simply do not teach anymore. Not surprising ... Socialism is being embraced by millennials who do not understand the difference between the two and think it is cool and politically correct to embrace it. They do not grasp the fundamental difference between the concepts of "earning" something as opposed to "free stuff" (entitlements). Whereas one promotes industrious behavior and pride in workmanship, the other promotes a dependency on others, specifically government, thereby encouraging a master/slave mentality.
By Tim Bryce7 years ago in The Swamp