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Most recently published stories in The Swamp.

Judge Harold L. Wood of Somers Has Made a Life of Making a Difference
I often go into an interview with a preconception of where the story will go. I’m usually wrong. In the case of 93-year-old Judge Harold Wood, who was the first African American Supervisor in Westchester, I was once again right about being wrong. I thought I would learn of insurmountable obstacles overcome in receiving his law degree, tales of harrowing racial discrimination, and a detailed accounting of his professional life. Admitting up front that his memory has “dimmed” in recent years derailed the in depth look I was hoping for. But that doesn’t mean his sketchy outline of the past prevents him from processing. The same goes for his ability to inspire. So while he’s self-assured of his extraordinary historical accomplishments, it is the manner in which Judge Wood perceives himself as ordinary that really makes him stand out.
By Rich Monetti7 years ago in The Swamp
Space Force
Events It's Monday morning, June 18. Reporters swarm a room in the White House waiting for what was potentially the most historic news in space exploration this year. President Donald Trump announced that he would momentarily be signing a directive for The Department of Defense to create the sixth branch of our military. What will be known as Space Force, separated completely from our Air Force. "Our nation of pioneers still yearns to conquer the unknown because we are Americans and the future belongs totally to us. Once more we will lead humanity, and that's what it is humanity, beyond the earth and into those forbidden skies but they will not be forbidden for much longer." The president went on to say that he is going to give the "DOD" the means of creating a system for long-term traffic coordination in outer space; promising other things like more spacecraft, vehicles for other celestial bodies, and other new updated technology necessary for the overall goal.
By Carlos Guerra7 years ago in The Swamp
Gun Violence in America
“These events are terrifying because they occur without warning in the most mundane places. Most of the victims are chosen not for what they have done but because of where they happen to be.”—The Washington Post.
By Stripes Joplin7 years ago in The Swamp
The High Cost of Living in the Bay Area
I live in San Jose, where the cost of living is somewhat better than in Mountain View, but the skyrocketing rent is something that needs to be looked at more by City Council. We practically need to have better rent control. Renting a house or apartment and buying gasoline are the single greatest expenses people living in the Bay Area have to make (Mercury News). When the economy is going well, businesses expand because they have the money to hire more employees. When things are not going so well, they drop employees.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez7 years ago in The Swamp
Mother Sturgeon, Cult? Discuss
I know I have written several pieces on the subject of the SNP and its effect on the life of Scotland and its political and people. So I decided to take a break from Scottish politics for a wee while. Unfortunately, I have no option but to write a little bit more about the present status of the SNP attempts to push for a second independence referendum and sundry other matters. Deep breath and here goes.....
By Michael Blair7 years ago in The Swamp
Delusional Illusions
John Calvin (Jehan Cauvin, 1509 - 1564). What a guy! A guy for his times but perhaps not for ours. His disciples turned his doctrines on their heads and one result was the Protestant work ethic and capitalism, something that once promised a better world here and now for everyone and of course, for the “elect,” a better world forever (although, if you were not among the elect, well… sorry about that, no hope as you crossed the portals that require that all hope be checked before entering). Kind of like today’s “capitalism” (really more an extreme form of corporate welfare).
By Guillermo Calvo7 years ago in The Swamp
'Rising Out of Hatred'
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of a new book coming out titled: Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Eli Saslow. Now, that is a pretty loaded title. I mean white nationalism? Whoa. Not something usually on my radar.
By Rachel Kass7 years ago in The Swamp
The Unbreakable Peace
Nuclear weapons have been in the news quite regularly over the last year, from North Korea's technological breakthroughs to troubles with the Iran Deal. Yet the public concern which accompanies these topics is wildly disproportionate to the effect they stand to have over our future. The word "nuclear weapon" gets no more attention in the news than a major corporate announcement or an important local election. Perhaps some can view this as a good thing. The American hegemony which emerged with the fall of the Soviet Union meant that everyday citizens no longer had to think about the possibility of everything they ever knew or loved being disintegrated into ash at the push of a button.
By m z7 years ago in The Swamp
Best Political Podcasts to Help Keep You Informed
Let's be honest: it's almost impossible to stay up-to-date with today's political climate. Something new and revolutionary seems to be happening every single day, and opinions about politics are becoming more and more polarized. Whether you're trying to find the latest Tweets from Donald Trump or major changes in policies, finding quality political podcasts that can keep you both entertained and informed is no easy task.
By Glenn Bushinski7 years ago in The Swamp
#BBCSwitchOff: The Hashtag Sweeping the Nation
This evening (9 August) #BBCSwitchOff has been gaining traction over Twitter, reaching lofty heights and trending at No.1 in the UK and No. 4 globally in a matter of hours.
By Ziggy Moth7 years ago in The Swamp
How Exactly DO You Get 'Made in the USA' Goods?
It is hard to find solid "Made in the USA" goods. Go to any store, and you cannot easily do this. Goods are from other places all the time. Yes, it is difficult to find "Made in the USA" products in your house or at the store. Sure, the United States manufactures stuff like medical equipment, airplanes, movies, pharmaceuticals and agricultural products, but still, all this means is that we are barely caught up to the rest of the world. We need to set up "Made in the USA" goods to beat other countries.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez7 years ago in The Swamp
It's Mudslinging Season
Click for AUDIO VERSION. Here in Florida, as it is in many other states, it is primary season where political parties select their candidates to run in November. Unlike the general election, I tend to believe primaries bring out the worst in candidates who inevitably turn to back-stabbing. Back in 1966, Ronald Reagan coined his famous eleventh commandment, "Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican." Reagan obviously didn't foresee the 21st century as mudslinging is now the norm regardless of what side you are on.
By Tim Bryce7 years ago in The Swamp