You Make A Difference
From your house to the White House
I'm going to miss my view. As a privileged person, the only sacrifice I am really making is I will lose the beautiful view from my balcony. A few weeks ago, a local webzine published a fluff piece about the plan to replace the building across the street from me with a five story rental building ($2000/m rent) and commercial space on the first floor along with enclosed parking. In the article, it stated that residents can bring concerns to an aldermanic meeting two days later. Jimmy's Pizza, a neighborhood staple located in the building in question stated at said meeting that the article was the first they heard of the plan. The alderman was shocked and told the developer to go back to the drawing board in response to Jimmy's concerns. Jimmy's has great New York style pizza and beignets. The establishment employs several neighbors and delivers to residents of the area.
When this wet behind the ears alderman took over the ward, I was all for getting out the alderman who served for decades. The result: an alderman who awards permits without looking at the whole picture and then waffles when one constituent protests.
When that building had a seven-alarm fire less than a year ago, I saw how many working-class millennials lived there. I noticed that Jimmy's Pizza, a sports bar, a Guatemalan restaurant and a personal trainer's business called that building home. No person or animal was hurt in the fire, thank G-d. The sports bar lost its business and at least one resident was displaced.
What's your point, Michel Schwartz?
My point is that we will see several names and issues on the ballot. From the presidential candidates, to the judges, to the city council people, it is important to research the ballot before going to the polls. And once the election winners are announced, voice your opinion to them. The first election I was old enough to vote in, Bill Clinton won for the first time. As an 18-year-old, I sent him a six-page letter of what promises I hoped he would keep now that I gave him my vote.
I also talk to the local Walgreen's manager when I'm upset about something.
Please do vote. Vote your conscience. Be educated when you get in that booth. The judges make a difference. The city committee members make a difference. You make a difference.
Paid for by the committee of intentional voters.
About the Creator
Michel Schwartz
My current day job is working in a service department of a large non-profit. My education is in journalism. My passion is bringing a voice to the community. Every experience I've had brought me to here: a contributing microcosm of society.
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More stories from Michel Schwartz and writers in The Swamp and other communities.
Sunshine Pages
In September of 1988, my freshman year of high school, I was introduced to the term, "Information Superhighway." Back then, it was promised that by the year 2000, everyone would have access to electronic communication and paper would prove to be obsolete. Yet today, in a time of turmoil, I am coming across several sects of Chicagoans that, for whatever reason, don't have access to some life-saving resources and many continue to fall through the cracks. Who, you might ask, could possibly not have internet access in this day and age? Senior citizens, homeless individuals, those with mental illness or substance abuse issues, and people who just can't afford it.
By Michel Schwartz5 years ago in Longevity
Why Black History Matters in America?
The United States of America is celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2026. I'm proud to be an American and as someone who was born here, I wouldn't imagine myself living anywhere else. This is a country where opportunities are possible. Where anyone can be successful in anything they desire to do. Equality, community, and togetherness are the backbones of what America is and should be about. However, we have an administration who wants to erase and disregard those who have made positive, meaningful impacts in our country, specifically Black figures, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. President Trump and his administration have been constantly complaining and fighting against what they call the "Woke agenda". They use this excuse as a distraction from other issues they refuse to address, such as the high cost of living, climate change, and inflation. That equality is dividing America, when in reality, it's bringing us together. Being woke is not tied to a specific political party. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you can still care about other people and their plights. Compassion and empathy for others isn't tied to a political party, either. We were taught as children to treat others the way we want to be treated and not judge others because they're different from us. Caring about others isn't a personal attack on your beliefs. It doesn't make you any less of a person. People who are easily offended over African American figures, past or present, or anything related to it, are grasping at straws. Current and future generations need to know who people like Harriet Tubman and Shirley Chisholm were, especially in the classroom. Black History is part of American History. It should be recognized, not hidden or forgotten. Besides, you can't shield children from everything, just because your feelings are easily hurt.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 6 days ago in The Swamp
China Reverses Death Sentence for Canadian in a Small Win for Carney
China’s decision to reverse a death sentence imposed on a Canadian citizen has been welcomed cautiously in Ottawa, offering a rare diplomatic opening in an otherwise strained relationship between the two countries. The ruling, announced by Chinese judicial authorities this week, replaces the death penalty with a suspended death sentence — a form of life imprisonment that allows for possible commutation after a fixed period of good behavior. Canadian officials described the development as a “modest but meaningful” step, crediting sustained diplomatic pressure and quiet negotiations led by Prime Minister-designate Mark Carney’s transition team and senior foreign ministry officials. While the case remains deeply sensitive, the reversal has been interpreted as a small diplomatic victory for Canada at a time when relations with Beijing remain tense over trade, security, and human rights issues. A Long-Running and Sensitive Case The Canadian citizen, whose name has not been officially released at the request of the family, was originally sentenced to death in connection with drug trafficking charges in southern China. The verdict had drawn strong condemnation from Canadian leaders and human rights groups, who argued the punishment was disproportionate and lacked transparency. China’s judicial system allows for death sentences with a two-year reprieve, meaning the sentence can be reduced to life imprisonment if no further offenses are committed during that period. Legal analysts say such reversals are not unprecedented, but they are politically significant when foreign nationals are involved. “The change does not mean freedom, but it removes the immediate threat of execution,” said a former Canadian diplomat familiar with consular negotiations in China. “That alone is an important humanitarian outcome.” A Test for Carney’s Diplomatic Approach The decision comes at a critical moment for Mark Carney, who is preparing to take office amid growing calls to stabilize Canada’s relationship with China without abandoning its principles on human rights and rule of law. His advisers have emphasized a strategy of “calibrated engagement,” seeking cooperation where possible while maintaining firm positions on legal standards and democratic values. Sources in Ottawa say the case was raised repeatedly in backchannel discussions over the past several months, alongside broader concerns about the treatment of foreign detainees in China. Although Beijing has not acknowledged any political influence on the ruling, the timing has been interpreted as a goodwill gesture toward the incoming Canadian government. “This is not a reset in relations,” said a senior government official. “But it shows that dialogue can still produce limited results, even in a difficult climate.” Diplomatic Strains Remain Canada–China relations have been troubled since the 2018 arrest of a Chinese technology executive in Vancouver and the subsequent detention of two Canadians in China, widely viewed in Ottawa as retaliatory. Though the two detainees were later released, mistrust continues to shape diplomatic exchanges. Trade disputes, allegations of foreign interference, and disagreements over Taiwan and human rights have further complicated efforts to rebuild trust. Canada has also aligned closely with the United States and other allies in restricting Chinese access to sensitive technologies, a move Beijing considers hostile. Against this backdrop, the death sentence reversal stands out as a rare example of positive movement, even if limited in scope. Human Rights and Legal Questions Human rights organizations cautioned against interpreting the decision as evidence of systemic change in China’s justice system. While welcoming the commutation, they stressed that the underlying conviction remains opaque and that China continues to impose the death penalty more frequently than any other country. “This is a relief for the family, but it does not erase concerns about due process,” said a spokesperson for an international rights group. “Foreign nationals in China still face serious legal risks, particularly in politically sensitive or high-profile cases.” Canada has long opposed the death penalty in all circumstances and routinely seeks clemency for citizens facing execution abroad. The government reiterated its position following the ruling, stating it would continue to advocate for further sentence reductions and improved access to consular services. Beijing’s Message Chinese officials framed the decision as a matter of domestic law rather than diplomacy. A foreign ministry spokesperson said the courts had acted “in accordance with legal procedures” and emphasized that China treats all defendants equally, regardless of nationality. Analysts note, however, that high-profile cases involving foreign citizens often carry political weight, even when officially denied. “Judicial outcomes in China cannot be separated entirely from diplomatic context,” said an Asia policy expert. “This sends a signal that Beijing is willing to show flexibility under certain conditions.” A Limited but Symbolic Outcome For Carney, the reversal provides an early opportunity to demonstrate that careful engagement can yield humanitarian results without major concessions. Still, officials caution that much work remains before broader relations improve. “This is one small step, not a breakthrough,” said a Canadian foreign policy adviser. “But in a relationship defined by tension, even a small step matters.” As Canada continues to navigate its complex ties with China, the fate of one citizen has become a symbol of the delicate balance between principle and pragmatism. Whether this development leads to deeper cooperation or remains an isolated gesture will depend on how both governments choose to build on it in the months ahead.
By Fiaz Ahmed about 7 hours ago in The Swamp
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