politics
Politics does not dictate our collective cultural mindset as much as it simply reflects it; We've got to look in the mirror sometimes, and we've got one.
Unraveling the MAGA Phenomenon: Persistence in the Face of Change
The MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, which initially gained momentum during Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, has remained a formidable force in American politics and culture. This phenomenon has persisted beyond Trump's presidency, reflecting deeper societal trends, anxieties, and divisions. This article explores the multifaceted reasons behind the enduring strength of the MAGA craze, including political, social, economic, and media dynamics that contribute to its continued relevance.
Lawrence LeasePublished about a month ago in The SwampInternational conflicts and diplomacy: Global political events, such as tensions between countries or peace negotiations.
In the tumultuous landscape of global politics, where tensions simmer and conflicts loom large, the art of diplomacy emerges as a beacon of hope and a pathway to peace. From the brink of war to the negotiation table, diplomatic efforts have the power to transcend borders, bridge divides, and foster understanding among nations. Whether navigating complex geopolitical rivalries or mediating peace agreements in war-torn regions, diplomacy stands as a testament to the enduring belief in dialogue, cooperation, and the pursuit of common ground.
Oludotun Babatunde OyedelePublished about a month ago in The SwampWhy Are Black-Specific Colleges, Caucuses, and TV Channels Acceptable, but Not White-Specific Ones?
Previously, I wrote an article that sought to answer the following question: Why does it seem to be more acceptable for Black people to joke about or criticize White people than the other way around? It received a lot of attention, and some of the comments others posted under it were questions that I wanted to address in turn.
Martin VidalPublished about a month ago in The SwampA Biracial Man’s Plea to End Racial Categorization
Self Portrait in Black and White by “biracial” author Thomas Chatterton Williams is a memoir that makes the case for doing away with the racial categorization of human beings. He shares how the USA’s hyperracialized society forced him as a young person to exclusively identify as Black. However, relocating to France; marrying a white French woman; and especially, becoming the father of white-presenting children has now demonstrated to him the myth of race.
Clare XanthosPublished 2 months ago in The Swamp"Socially Liberal, Fiscally Conservative"
In the endless void of political ideologies, there exists a character familiar to many: the friend who proudly proclaims, "I'm socially liberal, but fiscally conservative." It's a statement often presented as a badge of rationality, a stance that ostensibly combines progressive values with prudent financial management. Yet, beneath the alleged sense of reason often lies a fundamental flaw, and one that warrants scrutiny and dissection.
William EvansPublished 2 months ago in The SwampOne person's sacrifice futile in a world that condones genocide
As Israel’s campaign of genocide heads into its sixth month, I’ve heard many people take solace from the knowledge they are “standing on the right side of history” by speaking out about the atrocities and condemning the United Kingdom government’s complicity in the ethnic cleansing being carried out in Gaza by Benjamin Netanyahu’s terrorist regime.
Steve HarrisonPublished 2 months ago in The SwampIs Russia really losing against Ukraine
Warning! This video may contain violent scenes. The following film depicts the events of the conflict in Ukraine. I am bleeding bit by bit. Tough. But I am trying to endure. You all should try to stay strong. The people I know and the people I am with. Pride for Ukraine. Victory will be ours. This is the fourth attack in two weeks. Or how long? Let's go! Gunfire! "Attack." Triple feature. Part three: Andriivka is our Dismount! Keep going! Keep going! Keep going! Quickly! Fast! Fast! Fast! He's near WIA. Move a bit more, "Harry." Damn it. Still alive? Right. It hit somewhere around there. You okay? You okay? I'm fine. Did it hit? There. Did you take it down? Right. That's it (unmanned aerial vehicle) that crashed, right? Right. Darn it. Have they left already? *to the Russians* Damn, guys. I request you to get KIA soon. Keep going! Fire! Fire! Damn it, got this one! You all! Cover me! I'll run closer. Keep going. Keep going! Good! Good! Cover me, damn it! Cover me, you scoundrel! Damn it! Are you covering me or not? Do this. Hold on. I'll throw it in, buddy. Don't worry. "Valerych" is about to show up? "Valerych," "Valerych." And I feel like standing behind, right? A bit more! Two meters more! Catch up! Catch up! Two people! Keep going! Cover them! Edos! Catch up! Forward! Keep going! Damn it! Faggot sticking his helmet out! In front of you! Scoundrel! Get him out! He's right in front of you! Arm! He's reaching out! Guys, catch up! Buddy, can you throw a heat grenade? Grenade! Turn right! He's shooting the Somali guy! On the twelfth! - Two meters, scoundrel! He's dazed! Guys! We have to finish him off! Cover me, scoundrel! Here! To the right, damn it! The scoundrel is sitting right there. - Right. I'll throw a grenade at him. That scoundrel doesn't want to come out! Get out, scoundrel! He's there. Guys! He's right there! Here! Where is that scoundrel! I see him sticking the gun out of the trench. Get me a grenade! I'll blow you up, scoundrel! He's crawling around somewhere. He can hear our voices. He's right there. Damn Somali! Get out and you'll live! Don't you want to live? Keep going! We are the good guys! You will live! Damn it, there's a loophole. A man. There's a loophole. Get a grenade. There's a gap for him to crawl out. Relax. Crawl closer to it. Let's see how we can do this. What are you doing there, scoundrel? Tell me! You've destroyed my house, you vile scoundrel! What's going on? "Kavun" WIA. Damn it! Hurry, scoundrel! Scoundrel. Grenade! Damn it! I saw him! How do I not hit him? Damn it, figure it out! Grenade! Grenade! Get down! He's burning there! The damn scoundrel! He's damn gone! Good! Get that machine gun! - That's ours, damn it! Get ready, guys! Take that scoundrel down! That's a small fee, folks. A small price to pay. Damn, it's a machine gunner. Surrender, you vile scoundrel! There's even a damn cave! No one will kill you! - No one will kill you! Get out! Wait, guys! Don't shoot! - No one will kill you! Come on, get out! That's it, buddy! Seems like you've made your choice! Go in! We won't shoot! Get out! He's surrendering. If you try to throw a grenade - you'll be KIA immediately. Step out... Grenade! Damn scoundrel! Vile scoundrel! Did you see that? That's it! That's it! Minus sign! Minus sign! Damn it, thank you. That grenade fell right in front of me. Hey, anyone there? Surrendered! Men, please! - Alright. Get out! Hurry, scoundrel! Faster! That way! Turn right! Up there! Up there! Our guys are there! Nothing there! Keep going! Keep going! Capture the prisoner! What, are we going to dig in bit by bit? Are you in control? Provide cover. Stop digging. Cover up, folks. Damn, I love this action! It's insane! I love this action, folks! "Kavun," how is he, guys? He got hit in the butt. By that scoundrel over there. Got it? Remove it! Turn right! Behind M! Behind M! Keep going! Go! Keep going! Right there! Pursue him! Keep going! Keep going! Go! Work from here! Spread out! "Hush" has been taken down! Follow suit! I'm advancing! - More. Keep going. Move, move! The enemy is retreating! Retreat! Move! More. More. Copy. Advance, damn it! Seize the enemy's stronghold! Seize the enemy's stronghold! Hey, can you back off a bit? Because I'm sticking my head out. Can you hear me? Volodya, damn it! Give me room! What? I'm out of the stronghold. I'm injured! Damn it! Get out! Makar, get out, please! Keep going. I'm WIA. Where were you hit? - Chest. I don't know. It's burning. Who's shooting? More. Load it faster. Try shooting a GP behind that tree. On the right side. Three scoundrels are sitting there. Three scoundrels. Now our UAV will fly over you with an electric shock. It will try to get them. Can you hear me? More. More. Copy. Keep going. They'll stand up and I'll shoot. Makar, shoot it. I'm not feeling well. Dismount! Dismount! Dismount! Drive! Get out! Throw the PKM out! Keep going! Continue from M! Fast! There! Open the connecting road! Open the connecting road! Connecting road! Do you have anti-aircraft? - I'm full! Full? Unload it! Where's he going? - Huh? - An
Moscow's Calling - 15
This conversation happened on February 22, after Trump started to compare himself to the Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, who died in Putin's Arctic prison on February 16, 2024.
Lana V LynxPublished 2 months ago in The SwampHappy Presidents Day America
Monday February 19, was Presidents Day. A day we set aside in the United States to celebrate all those that have served as President, but most notably since 1879 as the day America honors our first President, and one of the founding fathers, George Washington. As a retired member of the U.S. military, the day brought about reflection on my service, all 4 of the Commander in Chiefs I served under during my 24 year career, and growing into understanding how our sociopolitical complexities lead us to view our President more as a Dictator, rather than the democratically-elected Chief Executor of our country's laws, as our Constitution more conservatively implies.
Meko KaprelianPublished 2 months ago in The SwampOnly a fool would take Israeli propaganda at face value
I tried to watch Wednesday’s Westminster ceasefire debate over Israel’s campaign of genocide in Gaza but found it such pantomime that I wasn’t able to stomach much and still don’t really know whether the United Kingdom has called for a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave or not.
Steve HarrisonPublished 2 months ago in The SwampCall for a ceasefire Starmer's only hope of restoring credibility
Good or bad, for better or worse, one thing we can all be certain of is that life goes on. And right at this moment I’m thankful I have the good fortune that mine is centred in a country that is not under siege by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) bombing hospitals, schools, universities and all other possible places of refuge for the tens of thousands of Palestinians being ethnically cleansed from Gaza by Benjamin Netanyahu’s terrorist Likud regime in Jerusalem.
Steve HarrisonPublished 2 months ago in The SwampPutin is A Walking Dead
The cover image for this story is one of my favorite cartoons by Alesha Stupin because of its symbolism and allusions to various images, incidents and facts in Putin's life. It is based on the famous photo of topless Putin riding a horse that is often used to illustrate his masculinity and strength.
Lana V LynxPublished 2 months ago in The Swamp