Reason First: Can Individualism Fight Mass Murderers Like the One in Christchurch, New Zealand?
Words like “radical” and “extremist” should only be reserved for actual individuals who champion far out ideas like the elimination of science, economics, education, and ideas from government. Like capitalists. The suspects involved in the Christchurch, New Zealand massacre should be labeled as cowards and puny practitioners in the initiation of physical force.
By Skyler Saunders7 years ago in The Swamp
Are Firearms More Deadly Than Automobiles?
I just read Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang post to his Twitter account his case for gun control: “There is no practical reason for citizens to have assault weapons. We need to treat gun ownership as an awesome privilege and responsibility and regulate accordingly. Guns are more deadly than cars and we take tests to get drivers licenses.”
By Brian Dollard7 years ago in The Swamp
Showcasing School Shooters
Mass shootings have unfortunately become a tragic, but normalized part of our society. Although mass shootings only make up a small portion of the total gun crimes in this country, they only continue to rise in numbers with each attack becoming more brutal than the last. We are all completely aware of the pain that these tragedies can bring to our communities, and yet, they continue to happen. The stories pass through the news channels so quickly, replaced with the new horror story while the last fades away into a bad memory for our country. There are no opportunities for new reform from our legislators, despite the constant push from the citizens that want change. These attacks of terrorism have become something that we simply acknowledge, move on from, and wait for the next inevitable occurrence.
By Kylee Treseder7 years ago in The Swamp
Masturbating with Metal: Gun Culture and the Fantasy of the Armed Teacher
I want to be clear here: There are always exceptions to every stance. However, as a former special education teacher of at-risk children and adults (gang members, drug addicts and alcoholics, and the “severely emotionally disturbed”—not a personal judgement, but a population designation for those unaware), dynamics in such classrooms would severely jeopardize the safety of both students and educators if the latter are allowed to open carry while teaching.
By Joel Eisenberg7 years ago in The Swamp
School Shootings: A Widespread Epidemic
The article, "Teaching In An Age Of School Shootings" by Jeneen Interlandi, discusses the effects, controversies, and viewpoints of the teacher's experience in an age where schools are being threatened by shooters. Interlandi writes about the mental and physical effects of this on teachers. She also addresses the controversy in that teachers have become the first responders. Lastly, Interlandi highlights the new laws to have teachers carry firearms and the efforts to decrease gun violence and increase school safety. This article is so important because of the multiple occurrences of shootings in schools across America. The modern world of urban education is directly and immensely affected by the tragedies and threats in schools to the students, staff, and families.
By Steph Ferguson7 years ago in The Swamp
An Open Letter to School Shooters
Dear you. Just you. No names, no recognition, no separation of yourself from the others. Just... dear you. Was it their happiness that offended you? Perhaps their innocence? Maybe they weren't so innocent. Maybe they bullied you on a daily basis. Maybe they got away with too much and you, too little.
By CT Idlehouse7 years ago in The Swamp
We Need to Talk About What Happened in Squirrel Hill
I feel numb. I don't know how this happened, but I know why. We as a people have experienced violence and persecution for centuries that has never left. In fact, I don't think it ever will. People will use us as a scapegoat for societies failures. This is just our history as Jews, starting all the way back in Egypt as slaves.
By Aimes Israel7 years ago in The Swamp
The Homeless Problem in the United States
Throughout the world, the homeless exist. They do not have steady jobs or homes. They are usually on illegal substances, like marijuana, and often alcohol as well. They have to exist outside all the time while those of us with homes exist indoors. Working people resent the homeless population and look at them with disdain. Even low-income people who have living arrangements, or pay low rent as part of their situation, can’t often give the homeless their “spare any change.” Many of us tell them no. Homeless bums have no other options other than being a bum when the shelters are full.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez7 years ago in The Swamp
Trump's Faux Pas
As Trump's Presidency has unfolded, I watched and continue to watch and read about the distress the divide his Presidency has deepened in America. Or as some say, 'Murica.' I have also read as quite a few of his voters lamented, during news interviews, about their choice to vote for him. Why would they? Just because of his promises about improving healthcare, his promises of beating job losses abroad, and they all became broken promises as their hometowns continue to suffer the tariff wars. Never mind that so many white American women have become too comfortable in smacking innocent teenage black boys at public swimming pools or calling the police when a black family is innocently barbecuing. For me, President Trump is like every kid who bullied me as a kid, who taunted me with racist slurs, the men who sexually harassed me later, and even still do today, and who feel a sense of entitlement that turns ugly at my rejection; they are all rolled up into one guy who has been voted into the President's office. Fortunately, the #MeToo movement has come a long way in such a short time. Ebony Magazine did an interview with Tarana Burke, who founded #MeToo for her movement in 2007 to reach sexual assault survivors in underprivileged communities. Since Alyssa Milano has brought a light to the catchphrase, now it's EVERYWHERE! All are survivors of sexual harassment and abuse. Otherwise, I never even would have heard of it, or its roots! Right on, to both women! Sadly, most people forgot who Donald Trump is.
By Lady Sunday7 years ago in The Swamp
