activism
Grassroots campaigns have proven instrumental in bringing about political, social or environmental change; you've got to start somewhere-might as well start here.
Dear United Nations
Good day to the world and the members of the United Nations. My name is Johann Hollar and I am pleased to be addressing you from the United States of America. I am also writing this article to you to express my contempt and disgust towards the Trump Administration (note: I am using the term Administration loosely).
By Johann Hollar7 years ago in The Swamp
Rights of the First Amendment
There are a number of countries where freedom of assembly is not allowed, like China. In the United States, we are lucky we get to live in a country that doesn’t have a national religion established, although some Christians seem to feel the national religion is supposed to be whatever version of Christianity they believe in. This Amendment was adopted into the Bill of Rights in 1791. Freedom of religion is the very foundation the United States established by the Founding Fathers, although in some cases like cults, the government has to intervene if people are put in awkward or dangerous positions.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez7 years ago in The Swamp
Even Short Time Nationalists Have a Story to Tell
It bothers me when I hear people talk about short-time former members of far-right extremism like they have no authenticity. That they are not aware of what the movement was about. That they don’t know what they are talking about. That they could be of no help. I don’t understand this mentality. You don’t go to a military veteran that was only in for a short time and say they don’t know what they’re talking about. Or someone that was in a cult that they don’t know what they’re talking about. So why do it to former extremists, especially when they come out of something brutal and want to tell the world what they know? Why do it to people who just want to be useful to bring about peace?
By Mardoll Gatsby7 years ago in The Swamp
The Game That's Played
One has to wonder about the political climate in the US today. On one hand, we have the Democratic Party still in disarray from their failure in the 2016 presidential election. Then there is the Republican Party who is so out of touch to the realities facing millions of Americans each and every day. Least we forget Trump in the White House, who in his first two years has managed to turn the United States into one bad soap opera after another.
By Dr. Williams7 years ago in The Swamp
Masturbating with Metal: Gun Culture and the Fantasy of the Armed Teacher
I want to be clear here: There are always exceptions to every stance. However, as a former special education teacher of at-risk children and adults (gang members, drug addicts and alcoholics, and the “severely emotionally disturbed”—not a personal judgement, but a population designation for those unaware), dynamics in such classrooms would severely jeopardize the safety of both students and educators if the latter are allowed to open carry while teaching.
By Joel Eisenberg7 years ago in The Swamp
High Level Deception
It is Christmas time once again and all through-out the land so many people are now filing unemployment claims. So much for good fellowship and joy this holiday season. The cries of thousands continue to fall on deaf ears of those CEO's and an administration that cares not that there will be no joy or revelry this holiday season for all those laid off workers. You can bet though that the 1 percent will continue to reap their financial rewards.
By Dr. Williams7 years ago in The Swamp
Sweden's Recycling Revolution
Years ago, Sweden has started its "Recycling Revolution." The Recycling Revolution is where Sweden recycles 99 percent of all it’s trash almost to were it’s waste-free. Everyone produces waste, especially people in Sweden. Sweden sorts, filters and then recycles its trash. This process recycles 99 percent of the trash and then the other 1 percent goes into landfills ever since 2011 (see below for "What Are Landfills?"). Sweden’s trash ends up in three ways. 50 percent goes into burning to make fuel. 49% goes into recycling, making new materials, and the 1 percent goes into landfills.
By Michael Duong7 years ago in The Swamp
Divided We Fail
In this the 21st century we still have to remember lessons learned from history are valuable tools to secure the future. Too often, though, mankind hasn't learned many of the lessons that history is supposed to teach us. Many empires that have risen fall by their failure to negate the inner divides of their people. Questions now arise about the future of the United States considering the enormity of division in the US today. Is the United States going to be the next nation to join history's long list of nations that fail to heed Lincoln's immortal words, "A nation divided against itself cannot stand?"
By Dr. Williams7 years ago in The Swamp
School Shootings: A Widespread Epidemic
The article, "Teaching In An Age Of School Shootings" by Jeneen Interlandi, discusses the effects, controversies, and viewpoints of the teacher's experience in an age where schools are being threatened by shooters. Interlandi writes about the mental and physical effects of this on teachers. She also addresses the controversy in that teachers have become the first responders. Lastly, Interlandi highlights the new laws to have teachers carry firearms and the efforts to decrease gun violence and increase school safety. This article is so important because of the multiple occurrences of shootings in schools across America. The modern world of urban education is directly and immensely affected by the tragedies and threats in schools to the students, staff, and families.
By Steph Ferguson7 years ago in The Swamp
An Open Letter to School Shooters
Dear you. Just you. No names, no recognition, no separation of yourself from the others. Just... dear you. Was it their happiness that offended you? Perhaps their innocence? Maybe they weren't so innocent. Maybe they bullied you on a daily basis. Maybe they got away with too much and you, too little.
By CT Idlehouse7 years ago in The Swamp
Breaking Up Bricky?
From Black History Month through to December this year, the black female owned organisation, Blacktress, have teamed up with Tristan Bates Theatre to bring a series of performances portraying stories about and written by black women. I attended one titled Regeneration. This play is based on the true story of an Eritrean mother, Rita, whose home on Loughborough Park estate in central Brixton, was being demolished in the process of gentrification. It tells of her journey to activism throughout her struggle to find ’home’ in the historically diverse district.
By Maxine Harrison7 years ago in The Swamp
Black America: Why I Vote
Emancipation came down to two votes—two. Two votes that no black person in this country could cast. We had to depend on the goodwill and determination of a group of men to vote for what is right and not what was politically expedient or in their own self-interest. And let’s face it, for white men, white privilege in 1863 was a big deal. It was the only way that they could rise to whatever heights economically, politically, and socially without any competition from any woman or men of color.
By The Disruptors7 years ago in The Swamp
