Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in The Swamp.
Brief History of the Young Lords Organization
In general, The Young Lords was a nationalist group for Puerto Ricans who lived in — and migrated to — America. The group began as a gang in Lincoln Park Neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. By Sept 1969, the organization evolved into a human rights group led by Jose Cha Cha Jermenez with one of their main causes being the independence of Puerto Rico. The catalyst for the organization’s upgrade from “gang” into “human rights group” was the displacement of Puerto Rican immigrants — through Mayor Richard J. Daley’s political policies — which evicted entire Latino communities for the sake of lakefront and downtown properties.
By GAHMEIH THE VAGAHBOND9 years ago in The Swamp
Is This American?
I will just go right to it. It is perplexing and therefore ultimately a shame that Colin Kaepernick is not on an NFL roster right now. The Miami Dolphins recently "kicked the tires" on him before deciding to dump $10 million plus on a dude, Jay Cutler, that recently retired and essentially said, "I'm done." The Baltimore Ravens are still mulling over signing Colin Kaepernick or not as well. Reportedly, the head coach and general manager are game, but the owner has to "pray" about it. What? What is going on here? Why is this story even important to you even though you may have absolutely no interest in sports aside from going to that local sports bar that drafts that really good beer or makes that deliciously awesome craft burger you like? I am going to explain that here. Basically, this is a story about human rights and American hypocrisy in how we decide to "defend" those rights placed in a real time unfolding story that is happening RIGHT NOW in sports. So, here goes.
By Howard Thomas9 years ago in The Swamp
Is It a Threat? Is It a Joke? Scaramucci Says He'll Bring a "Professionally Monogrammed Front Stabbing Knife" for Stephen Colbert
Anthony Scaramucci, aka "The Mooch", aka the White House Communications Director with the shortest lived tenure, seems like he might be going off the rails.
By Christina St-Jean9 years ago in The Swamp
When Your Skin is Seen as a Weapon...
I am a single mother of color, and my anxiety for my children grows at a rate that has left me physically ill daily and exhausted. Unable to lock my children away in a safety bubble and not expose them to this racially based society we live in keeps me in a state of panic and depression. They are not safe with police because what they see is black skin as a weapon. Shot first cover up afterward, their peers, who are ignorant and lost in the white haze, believing that other blacks are their enemy, or white people in general, due to their white privilege blindness.
By STACEY PATTERSON9 years ago in The Swamp
They Have You in Their Sights
Targets used to be something to aim at (see illustration). Nowadays they are (a) a means of control and (b) a sure fire way of screwing up the systems they are meant to regulate. Nominally introduced to ensure that certain services are being delivered or improved (sales, hospital care, student retention etc.), they have evolved into the main point of the exercise, whatever that may be. Want to cut hospital waiting lists? Then do as many ingrown toenails as possible and hey presto! You have met your target! Need to keep a tight hold on the hospital budget? Then avoid all those expensive life-saving therapies and operations, and concentrate on — well, toenails, obviously. Hand-in-hand with the tick-box, targets are the bureaucrats' dream, positive-performance indicating and cost-cutting everything in sight!
By Kevin McClintock9 years ago in The Swamp
Selling Green
Let’s be completely and totally honest with ourselves here; the climate is changing. This is not really up for debate. Some may think that it is, but if you look at the data and even just use the eye test it is clear to see unless you’re sticking your head deep into the sand like an ostrich. 97% of experts agree on climate change, which begs the question: why is there so much opposition to it?
By James Mullen9 years ago in The Swamp
Media and Leftist Bias is Out of Hand
With everything happening in the news today, it's no wonder that everyone is upset with politicians in general. They don't do a thing they say they will, and they seemingly lie 24/7! There seems to be massive unrest in the ranks when it comes to Donald Trump. The question is why? Why is everyone up in arms about the President of the United States? Why are people comparing him to Richard Nixon and Hitler! Hitler for God sakes! The answer is really quite simple: bias and unfair political and media practices combined with most Americans being unable to think for themselves.
By Bradley Perry9 years ago in The Swamp
Influx of Asylum Seekers In Canada Prompts Military Support
"To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith," Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau tweeted January 28, 2017, and it appears that refugees in the United States, at least, are taking him seriously.
By Christina St-Jean9 years ago in The Swamp
Dear Theresa
Dear Theresa, It's hard, I think I understand that. You've come so far. You've worked hard, you're intelligent and at some point, this was your dream. I respect that. I want my dreams to come true too. I think we have that in common and that's important.
By Triple Decker Sandwich9 years ago in The Swamp
