controversies
It seems every time one racially-charged incident ends, a gender or religious controversy takes its place; Ruminate on the issues dividing our nation and world.
Türkiye Recalls Ambassador in Response to Assyrian Genocide Acknowledgement
January 20th (Ankara, Türkiye) – Türkiye (formerly known as “Turkey”) has immediately recalled its ambassador back home for consultations in response to the signing of the second of ten Executive Orders the newly installed President of the United States presented during the inauguration ceremony. Further, the NATO ally and host to two American military bases—one of which contains tactical nuclear weapons—summoned the United States Ambassador for a dressing down, reportedly by the President of Türkiye directly. While Türkiye and the United States are often at odds on the world stage, the alliance between the two countries has remained steadfast for decades and issues are usually quietly resolved behind the scenes.
Is Hell really for children?
I just saw a headline about Child Labor laws and I thought, 'wow, it's been awhile since this topic of conversation has been brought up.' I immediately thought about Martha Stewart and her time in jail for the crime of employing "underage" workers, or so "they" said. In other countries of course the laws are different, if they even have laws, and there are many children put to work. As a huge fan of the Olympics, I spent most of my "spoiled American childhood" pondering why other countries like Russia, China, and even smaller countries than America could produce better skaters or gymnasts. America has all the equipment and wealth, so how was it possible? How did Japan come out of WW2 as the leader in technology? Sony? Well, I could ponder these things forever I suppose, but I ended my quest for answers about it when I had heard that poor Martha Stewart had to spend time in jail or prison for some kind of "child labor law" infringement. I suppose they had to beat up Martha because they were sick of fine china on the dining room table or that she was a better chef or had more money selling dishes. She should write an anthem for petty American cop wannabes titled "The Vengeance We Seek". I'm sure the experience only made her stronger and wiser, but I am ashamed of that part of American history. As if the crucifying of O.J. Simpson or Bill Cosby isn't bad enough. Some people still ask "Has it really gotten that bad?" as if they are totally unaware of how History can not be separated from the future as long as memory remains loyal. I never forgot the voice of one who said to me, "When will you believe in nothing?" or "When do you stop being a mother?" I wonder if I lacked the power of my conviction.
Shanon NormanPublished about a year ago in The SwampThe Flint Water Crisis
On March 25, 2013, the Flint City Council approved a deal to purchase 16 million gallons of water per day from the Karegnondi Water Authority (KWA), sourced from Lake Huron. This move broke Flint away from a nearly 40 year deal with the Detroit Water and Sewage Department (DWSD). There are many reasons to believe that the decision by the city of Flint to sign a deal with the KWA was short sighted, inconsiderate of Flint’s residents and ultimately detrimental to the city as a whole. Many of the problems leading up to Flint participating with the KWA are largely an issue of widespread structural racism and, too often, blatant disregard for the citizens of Flint, a majority African-American. In light of the elaborate and reckless exploitation of Flint’s residents through strategic racism, it is clear that the main reason Flint’s deal with the KWA was not made in the best interest of its residents is a lack of legitimate financing (or rather, shady financing) and politics taking precedence over economics at all levels of management by members of the KWA. Similar dilemma’s plagued the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the MI State Treasury, and even various Emergency Managers (EMs) who had been brought in precisely to help find solutions to such problems. Flint’s participation with the KWA would only serve to increase the already high water bill for Flint’s residents, as major water waste forced them to pay for more than was ever consumed, at a higher average cost. Flint’s residents were additionally served the bill for expensive repairs necessary to make Flint’s in-house water treatment plant operational, although only temporarily.
Lucas DeanPublished about a year ago in The SwampWhat Happened to the Other Parties?
I came from a family of Republicans. They were obsessed with elephants. I laugh about it now. I always registered as an Independent until I had discovered the Libertarian party, then I had registered that way. When I became a felon in 2018, my voting privilege became suspended. When I updated my driver's license, the question of voting came up and I knew not which party to choose so I skipped it. The options I wanted (Green, Libertarian, or Independent) were not listed. If my option isn't there, why should I choose something that is not accurate?
Shanon NormanPublished about a year ago in The SwampHBCUs Should Recruit Anti-Racist Faculty
The prevailing thought in the Black community is that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are safe spaces where Black students get a perhaps once-in-a-lifetime chance to not be a marginalized minority; to experience a discrimination-free higher education; and to be treated as a human-being, as opposed to struggling through the typical “learning-while-Black” experience. This feel-good image of HBCUs was somewhat diminished following two racially-charged incidents at the end of 2022.
Clare XanthosPublished about a year ago in The SwampBanning TikTok is Against Your 1st Amendment Right
TikTok, a video-sharing app, has become a worldwide phenomenon, allowing users to create and share short videos with millions of people worldwide. Recently, the United States government has raised concerns over TikTok's security and privacy issues, leading to calls for its ban. However, banning TikTok in the United States would be against the 1st Amendment, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech.
Jodi BerkleyPublished about a year ago in The SwampPosie Parker's Hate Tour: The Feminist Mask of Fascism
Fascists Might Fear Trans Women. But They Are Terrified of Blak Women. Yesterday the "Let Women Speak" tour arrived in Canberra. It was during this rally that the police assaulted pro-trans Senator Lydia Thorpe.
Stevi-Lee AlverPublished about a year ago in The SwampThe Court Room is Dangerous
I just saw an article about Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. Before I begin my analysis or defense of either of them, I'd like to say that I have been a fan of Depp since I was a teenager and as a woman I did understand the emotional dilemma that Amber found herself in. having that preface I want to address the topic of Amber's predicament as she faces Perjury charges.
Shanon NormanPublished about a year ago in The SwampProposed Constitutional Changes Aim to Increase Democracy and Accountability
In a few months, a referendum will be held to change the constitution of a country, with the aim of creating a more democratic and accountable government. The proposed changes include reducing the powers of the president, increasing the powers of the parliament, and creating new checks and balances within the government.
Gargi singhPublished about a year ago in The SwampQueerness as a State of Mind
Today, I read a sickening piece by June Kirri. I won't reference the title, as it is quite triggering. The title needs a trigger warning. So, as you can imagine, the article requires a giant screaming trigger warning. The article discusses a violent crime and the inadequacy, and inherent discrimination, of the legislative system.
Stevi-Lee AlverPublished about a year ago in The Swamp"The Prospects and Implications of a Trump Indictment: Legal and Political Perspectives"
Possible article: Trump Indictment: Legal and Political Implications The possibility of former President Donald Trump being indicted on criminal charges has been a contentious issue in the United States since he left office in January 2021. While some legal experts argue that Trump should face accountability for his alleged wrongdoing, others claim that such a move would be politically motivated and divisive. However, recent developments suggest that the prospect of a Trump indictment is gaining momentum, and the implications of such an event could be significant for the country's legal and political landscape.
prabas naiduPublished about a year ago in The SwampPublic and Allies Turning Against Vlad The Invader.
According to Andriy Yusov of the Ukrainian intelligence brand 'Putin' has become toxic. Mr. Yusov says that the Russian public is getting fed up with the war.
Nicholas BishopPublished about a year ago in The Swamp