humanity

Humanity topics include pieces on the real lives of politicians, legislators, activists, women in politics and the everyday voter.

You Can Speak Spanish with Pride in the USA
Yesterday I took my family to look at a used car. We’d found a rusted out “beater with a heater” on Craigslist which I thought could be used for picking up my children from school. After a quick test drive, I turned to consult my wife in Spanish. After a few words, I turned back to the man who was selling the car.
By Walter Rhein6 years ago in The Swamp
On the Philosophy of Power
Of all the quests humans have undertaken such as glory, fame, and fortune, power is the most detrimental. Throughout the ages, numerous individuals, kings, and emperors embarked on the perilous journey to acquire power. Many succeeded, and many gave up their lives trying to find this priceless jewelry. In a sense, power is the philosopher’s stone's sister. However, the most arduous part is not acquiring it, but maintaining it. Nonetheless, one ought not to think that acquiring power shall be an easy process; quite the contrary. Another difference that shall be mentioned is that power does not have a single formula to be applied to conceive it or acquire it. There are myriad approaches one can implement to obtain power, and each comes with its own pros, and cons. We will not discourse on those methods, for many others did, and shall one want to know them, one shall read the books written on such a subject. On the other hand, we will discourse on other aspects of power. As we hold forth on these aspects, we are not claiming to be the truth-bearers, instead we are merely exploring them. Some might be oblivious to these aspects by such rendering this discourse informative. Others might be familiar with them, thereby making this discourse a reminder, yet there is no better way to remember than a reminder. Our discourse will tackle three major aspects of power being; its definition, its nature and forms, and the reasons behind its irresistible charm. But before we commence, one ought to ask that if this discourse is nothing but a fascination by power’s seductive charms. Perhaps power attracts both the wise and the great alike? But, what exactly is power?
By Aziz Dhaouadi6 years ago in The Swamp
Immigrating to the US
Do you know how long it takes to get anything done within the government? Have you ever had to wait in the social security office or at the courthouse? The amount of filing and paperwork required for these types of changes is massive, and I believe that most of them do the best they can. I researched how to apply for a visa to the United States of America, and was shocked at how much waiting and red tape there is, even by government standards. This post outlines the necessary communication, documentation, and wait expectations for applying for a visa.
By Melissa Yinger6 years ago in The Swamp
Stop Ignoring These Connections
I assume he’s homeless. I assume he’s needy. I assume he’s broken. All these blades of assumption I use to carve the man crouching in the sun, a cardboard litre of Minute Maid Orange juice on the sidewalk at his feet. He leans his thin back against the bricks that house the liquor store and the neighbouring bank. The Canucks ball cap he holds out and open in hopes of receiving, shakes slightly in his pale fingers.
By Melanie Maure7 years ago in The Swamp
All Bandaids and No Solutions
(VLOG posted at the bottom for those who prefer to watch and listen rather than read.) Not a single soul should be forced to do anything in life that isn't fueled by their dreams and doesn't fill them with meaningful purpose at the deepest level.
By Eric Durland7 years ago in The Swamp
The True Leeches
(VLOG posted at the bottom for those who prefer to watch and listen rather than read.) Contrary to popular belief—to what the system propagates us to believe—the leeches aren't the individuals at the bottom of the pyramid seeking to take just a little in order to live their lives as comfortably as they can; the leeches aren't the people who have been forced to live passionless lives because the system that enslaves them steals from them any and all ability to pursue anything but slaving 60 to 80 hours a week at a job that means nothing to them, save providing them a sense of security and the ability to ensure food is on the table.
By Eric Durland7 years ago in The Swamp
Homelessness
I’m not a hero of any sorts, but I am in fact a dreamer for sure. One of my fondest childhood memories was sketching out blueprints for folks with no food or water to live and eat. I had it set in my mind that I was going to fast forward through life and buy out my local 99 Cent store and help those in need.
By Kendra Bennett7 years ago in The Swamp
Hidden Homeless, Hidden Stories
I live in Ireland, a country whose politicians proudly proclaim has one of the fastest growing economies and citizens now have more money in their pockets yet it is a country where the word 'housing' is invariably followed by the word 'crisis'. You see, the growth and improvement for businesses and our government does not measure how all the people on this island are managing and certainly not the many on the streets or on the brink, those of us living in and dying from poverty. There are over ten thousand people accessing emergency homeless services yet our housing minister does not count those sleeping rough on the streets who learned the hard way that emergency accommodation is worse than curling up in any doorway they can sleep safely in and those of us without a home of our own. I'm homeless but I don't turn up on the minister's reports because I am one of the thousands that are hidden homeless, people who cannot afford and our own place and who have been overlooked and failed by a system that casts us aside in the non priority trash can.
By Liz Wall7 years ago in The Swamp
We Need to Calm Down
First, I want to say that regardless of color, gender, sexual orientation, political, or religious beliefs, everyone deserves to have their voice heard. My past experiences are based off my being a conservative female in a time when the loudest voices around me are often liberal and/or men. The people around me who are liberal and/or men have the exact same right as me to say their opinion and I generally do not feel oppressed or put down by these people.
By Abigail Ooten7 years ago in The Swamp
America
America is indeed a melting pot. This concept can be seen in our everyday lives. The one thing that is most unique is the people within the United States. America wouldn't be the way it is without immigrants and without the different cultures that clash together. Through this clashing, there have been many unique and amazing food options. It has also changed many concepts such as music, family, art, etc. It is what makes each and every single one of us unique and amazing.
By Flying Ace7 years ago in The Swamp
New Build Houses Are Destroying Our Countryside
We all know one, that person that lives in a new build house, on the outskirts of a town or city, with a field in view. They wear Hunter wellies that have never been dirty, drive a brand new Range Rover with lowered suspension and road tyres and have everything 'country style' in their home.
By Leona Freebush7 years ago in The Swamp
O Canada, O World
Canada, the true north, strong and free. These words have been spoken about for generations. Our collective birthplace on this glittering blue and green globe.
By John Ames Birch7 years ago in The Swamp