American Justice
The Influence and Power of the Court
To duly swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States and interpret the laws henceforth to the best of my abilities opposing injustices wherever they may be. To preserve the balance of power within the government and maintain the respect of its branches.
American justice has never been perfect yet strong. Strong enough to endure a hundred years of change. We look to the Supreme Court as the sole decider and upmost holder of our rights. Thus, it should reflect America, diverse, and essential to democracy in the world. The court must set the standard.
Virtue. The court holds the power to stability. America's normalcy is affected by their decisions which can bring years of ignorance down. We should expect justice to come from the Court and that its justices maintain order in our society. When there is a wrong that has negatively affected its people for decades even centuries, the Court has the power to undo the future's damages and reconcile the wrongdoing to its citizens. Justices can change the American Way of life and open doors for the oppressed. In good conscience, the Court can alleviate all citizens from the burden of unjust laws and unjust execution of laws. This is the hope of the Court and the balance of American democracy in weighted by their judgment. Though those who enter the courts are tried and must practice patience. Rationality and steady hands can carefully make America unified. History is key to a just verdict. It takes 20 to 30 years to find the results of a decision.
Continuity. America's Court has to harness its power by keeping the union strong. Justices must deliberate on decisions that are dividing understanding that their decision can keep America unbroken. The Court's decisiveness can bring about resolve if used in a conscience manner. Justices cannot neglect the evidence of the case that are proven to affect society. They must set an example to the lower courts that certain instruments cannot be used for evidence and that evidence-based general knowledge leads a case. They must also govern the execution of the law. The Court must take into consideration the actions of law enforcers, whether politicians or officers, making sure that they are respecting the individual rights and upholding life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. This is what makes America the ideal country to live and dwell in, it is its respect for human life. We must not take for granted the lives in this union and we must let them become what they desire to become with their beliefs under the law. We must give them the freedom to choose to obey the law or to disobey the law and deal with its punishment. Punishment must always be just and fit the crime. It traumatizes citizens when they are abused by law enforcers and when they are severely affected in their life due to cruel judgments.
Liberating. The Court must be careful in limiting freedoms because America was freed due to this historical trauma. The Court must guarantee to the best of its ability to protect individuals' rights as long as they do not violate others' rights. The Court must outline personal space. Personal space as a freedom and a right because a person must recognize where their right ends and where violating other's rights begin. In the judgment, the court makes clear who violates what right and why they should be punished. To keep America free, we must educate about rights, freedoms, and personal space. One of the major reason, citizens entered jail is because they do not know their rights and even if officers read them their right, they don't understand the full rights as a citizen under the law and this is due to a lack of education. The Court must not be afraid to be educated in all perspectives and encourage its citizens to educated in every way.
About the Creator
Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous
Known as a Significant Voice in Modern Literature, a Poet of the Year, 2020 Black Author Matters Winner, 2025 Black Authors Matter Children Book Awards Nominee for his books, and International Impact Awards' Author of the Year Nominee
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Ideologies At War
There has never been a war long-lasting than that of democracy and theocracy. These ideologies have been fighting almost since the beginning of government. They have been the hidden agenda of leaders past and present with the intent of resolving differences. Democracy is where every person has a say in government and have equal rights protecting free-will by separating religion from governmental processes. Theocracy is where religious laws are the laws of the land and these strict laws suppress resistance and disobedience with severe consequences. The two clash at the heart of the Middle East and the reason for lack of enduring peace. Laws of the theocracy do not necessarily equip the laws of democracy. When religion rules the daily lives of an individual who does not choose freely then it becomes oppressive. Religion has to govern personal beliefs and opinions. It cannot be the law governing the land because we have seen throughout history how wars evolved from religion. The countless dead and immeasurable damage from nations against nations, and peoples against peoples. The current uprising in the Middle East is due to theocracy, not exactly the invasion of democracy. When oppressed people are downtrodden so long and they resort to violence because they lacked the necessities of life such as jobs, food, and housing to name a few, a revolution has to happen. Democracy is ever-changing, meeting the demands of its people while theocracy happens to get stricter and harsher to maintain order. When democracy is confronted by war, it adjusts and changes most of the time for the better. Democracy is not afraid of uniting with others who believe in their people and their economy. Theocracy maintains that life has to be sacrificed and traditions preserved over individualism. Theocracy encourages repeating the same atrocities of the past. The government must break through this wall of ignorance that democracy cannot be steadily guided and in fact, will make a nation unstable. This has been perpetuated by theocracy's supporters. We must remember that theocracy has divided nations against each other, people against one another, and social classes. Democracy can break all those barriers and unite economies and defend freedoms. This war has to end. This is the hidden battle of not only current wars but past wars. We are fighting for the sake of the world. Even Africa has faced the backlash of this war, with nations constantly trying to stabilize the extremists from the Middle East. The extremists find their power in being brutally carrying out the religious laws while breaking them to recruit the young. They use religion as a weapon and theocracy blindside helps them recruit more. We know that someday that one will rule and the other will be lessened. The world has this difficult decision to make but we have to make it. Human rights are born rights and they cannot be denied. The choice of religion is a born right and the government should not choose for its citizens because free-will must be protected and provided by the government. Religion governs consciousness and is the spiritual guider of all people. A religion can only be consistent when it respects rights and does not govern and does not force obedience. Every religion and belief in the world has hints of this philosophy. And we must not use warfare for religious purposes because it increases hatred and oppression in the world. Peaceful means bring peaceful resolves. We have to remind every nation, every people, and every tribe that we come from a common ancestor and we respect their rights ending the war between democracy and theocracy.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous6 years ago in The Swamp
Which Countries Do Business With Iran — and What Could US Tariffs Mean?
Iran’s Economy Under Persistent Pressure Iran has lived under varying degrees of US and international sanctions for decades, yet it has never been fully cut off from the global economy. Despite restrictions on banking, energy exports, shipping, and technology, Iran continues to trade with a network of countries willing—or able—to navigate sanctions. Now, with renewed discussion in Washington about expanding US tariffs and secondary trade penalties, questions are growing about which countries do business with Iran, how that trade works, and what tougher US measures could mean for global markets, regional stability, and ordinary people inside Iran. China: Iran’s Most Important Trading Partner China is by far Iran’s largest economic partner. It imports significant volumes of Iranian oil, often at discounted prices, and exports machinery, electronics, consumer goods, and industrial equipment to Iran. Much of this trade operates through indirect channels, rebranded shipments, and complex financial arrangements designed to avoid sanctions. Beijing officially opposes unilateral US sanctions, arguing they violate international norms. If the US were to impose broader tariffs or secondary penalties targeting countries that trade with Iran, China could face increased friction with Washington—but analysts note that China has historically been willing to absorb such pressure when strategic interests are at stake. Russia: Strategic and Economic Cooperation Russia and Iran have deepened ties in recent years, driven by shared opposition to US influence and overlapping interests in energy and security. Trade between the two includes energy cooperation, arms-related technology, agricultural goods, and industrial products. Western sanctions on Russia have pushed Moscow to seek alternative trade networks, making Iran a useful partner. Proposed US tariffs aimed at Iran-linked trade are unlikely to deter Russia significantly, given that Moscow already operates largely outside Western economic systems. However, expanded penalties could further harden global economic blocs, accelerating the shift toward non-dollar trade mechanisms. Turkey: Balancing Trade and Alliances Turkey occupies a complicated middle ground. As a NATO member, it maintains formal alignment with the US and Europe, yet it also trades extensively with Iran—particularly in energy, food, and consumer goods. Ankara has historically sought sanctions waivers to continue importing Iranian gas, arguing that energy security leaves it with limited alternatives. US tariffs targeting Iran-related trade could force Turkey into difficult choices between economic needs and alliance commitments. Any escalation would likely test already strained US-Turkey relations. India: Energy Needs and Strategic Caution India once relied heavily on Iranian oil and invested in infrastructure projects such as Iran’s Chabahar port. While New Delhi reduced trade after US sanctions intensified, it has not fully disengaged. India walks a careful line: maintaining relations with Iran for regional access and energy diversification, while avoiding direct confrontation with Washington. Broad US tariffs could further discourage Indian companies from re-engaging with Iran, reinforcing India’s gradual shift toward alternative suppliers. European Union: Limited but Symbolic Trade Official EU-Iran trade has declined sharply under US sanctions, particularly after Washington withdrew from the nuclear deal. What remains is largely humanitarian—food, medicine, and medical equipment—technically exempt from sanctions. European governments oppose US secondary sanctions in principle but often struggle to protect their companies from US financial pressure. Expanded tariffs could further chill even legal trade, reinforcing Europe’s limited economic footprint in Iran. Regional Partners: Iraq, UAE, and Neighbors Iran maintains significant trade with neighboring countries: Iraq imports Iranian electricity, gas, food, and construction materials United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, acts as a major re-export hub Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asian states trade fuel, agriculture, and consumer goods US tariffs targeting Iran-linked trade could have ripple effects across the Middle East, especially for economies that rely on cross-border commerce and energy imports. Washington often grants limited waivers to avoid destabilizing allies like Iraq, but broader tariff regimes could complicate that approach. How Iran Moves Money Despite Sanctions Sanctions have forced Iran to rely on non-traditional financial channels, including barter systems, local currencies, cryptocurrency experiments, and informal money networks. Any new US tariff strategy would likely aim to disrupt these workarounds by penalizing intermediaries—shipping companies, insurers, ports, and banks—that facilitate Iran-related trade. However, experts warn that the more formal channels are closed, the more trade moves underground, reducing transparency and increasing corruption. What US Tariffs Could Mean in Practice If the US imposes new tariffs or secondary trade penalties linked to Iran, the effects could include: Higher costs for countries importing Iranian goods Increased risk for companies operating in gray markets Reduced access to consumer goods and medicine inside Iran Further isolation of Iran from global financial systems Supporters argue tariffs could strengthen leverage over Tehran without military action. Critics counter that economic pressure disproportionately harms civilians while entrenching hardliners. Impact on Ordinary Iranians Inside Iran, sanctions and trade restrictions have contributed to inflation, currency devaluation, unemployment, and shortages of imported goods. While the government often blames external pressure, public frustration remains high. Additional tariffs could worsen living conditions, even if humanitarian goods are technically exempt. Aid organizations warn that banking restrictions often block legal imports in practice, regardless of policy intent. A Global Test of Economic Power At its core, the debate over tariffs and Iran is about how much economic power the US can still project unilaterally. As more countries seek alternatives to dollar-based trade, Washington’s ability to enforce compliance is being tested. Yet the US financial system remains deeply influential, meaning many companies and governments will continue to err on the side of caution. Conclusion: Pressure, Trade, and Unintended Consequences Iran continues to do business with a diverse group of countries despite years of sanctions. China, Russia, regional neighbors, and cautious global players keep trade flowing—often quietly and indirectly. New US tariffs could tighten the economic vise, but they also risk reshaping global trade patterns, straining alliances, and deepening hardship for ordinary Iranians. Whether tariffs bring strategic leverage or unintended fallout will depend on how broadly—and how carefully—they are applied. One thing is certain: in a fragmented global economy, pressure on Iran does not stop at Iran’s borders.
By Aarif Lashari3 days ago in The Swamp
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