Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in The Swamp.
Implicit Associations
Last year, I completed my second course in play therapy—a type of counseling for children in which they express themselves autonomously through play. These courses, and the journey that led me to them, have been pivotal for me in terms of the person I am and the person I want to be. They made me confront and assess parts of me that it’s likely I would never have come into contact with otherwise.
By Munjeeta Sohal7 years ago in The Swamp
The Myth of Election Meddling
The trail of successful internet hacking, although not always the Russian kind, is pre-election 2016. The following example is only one of the many and goes back to 2012: The British hacker Gary McKinnon hacked the US Pentagon, but only because he was searching for evidence of UFO investigations. Most hackers with the skills would probably have given themselves a huge permanent paycheck! Instead, someone was recently busted because he manipulated McDonald's Monopoly game. Besides the big screen TV, he gave himself a lifetime supply of Big Mac's. To make matters worse, he was a police officer. I mean, our people have gotten pretty good at spotting hacking activity. It would be better if these guys hadn't been able to get through at all... UFO's and Big Mac's??
By Lady Sunday7 years ago in The Swamp
The Consent of the Governed and the “Rich Man's Burden”
In the late 19th century, a number of American businessmen and politicians (read: “robber barons”) expressed a desire to expand their Gilded Age dominance beyond the borders of these United States. However, in context of the growing Progressive Movement, they knew that they must disguise their selfish ambitions as “populism”, a sentiment revived and given breath during the 2016 presidential election.
By Stephen Walden7 years ago in The Swamp
Best Political One-Liners in History
Great moments in history are often defined by the words used to describe the events. From ancient Roman critics to the modern era of political journalism, words have grown bigger than even the powerful men and women who speak them. There are political quotes for any number of situations, from lighthearted quotes at a fundraiser to powerful statements commemorating the outbreak of war. Whether humorous and witty or solemnly inspiring, political one-liners can take many shapes. Here are some of the best political one-liners in history.
By Joseph D. N. Kendrick7 years ago in The Swamp
Is This the Shape of Things to Come?
As the soft gentle summer breeze flows, it is hard to imagine all the horror taking place in today's modern world. It seems mankind has really done it this time. Many of us especially baby boomers have fond memories of carefree summer days and whatever harsh realities existed then were really a world away. As sheltered as we once were, we have now come to realize how much misery there really is in the world around today. Now, the sun is setting on the twilight of my years and in my solitude visions of fleeting memories cascade through my conscious thoughts. As if it were yesterday but yet so far away was a world that today is so unrecognizable and different as night is to day. I tremble at the thought that this is the shape of things to come. For those of us that have made it this far where we have reached the golf cart reality, something I thought I'd never be, I have come to realize just how fortunate so few of us really are.
By Dr. Williams7 years ago in The Swamp
Let's Make America Better!
I am a single mother with a five-month-old son. I recently was asked to leave a shelter we were staying at because it (the program) didn't work with my work schedule. Now I'm forced to sleep in a car with my son. During this time, I've noticed how no one cares about you truly nor will bend over backwards for you unless you're a relative, blood, or have known for a while. There is no more hospitality in America! I'm a hard worker and would lose sleep to do whatever it takes, but no matter what happens, I have no one that has my back but myself. I have so-called friends and once knowing my situation, knowing I'm with child now, I still can't get a helping hand. I just want to make a better life for my son. All I know is when I do become successful and I see a girl in the same situation as me, I'm going to make sure I give them a safe place and support so they can get back on their feet and be the person they're meant to be! Living in America is so sad now and I hate to say I'm American. Babies are on the street in your backyard, yet what are we doing about it? Oh, but quick to complain to change a law because someone disrespected you. America is so messed up and I'm ashamed of it.
By LaRaina Lewis7 years ago in The Swamp
The Problem With Social Media and Politics
We live in a new modern world where some grade schools offer coding classes and social media is checked right after waking up in the morning. Technology has grown so fast in the past decade that it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with all the change. With anything new, there are bound to be negative impacts on society. While social media is an amazing tool used for connections and interactions, it can also be a place where people can spread hatred while being anonymous.
By Ashlyn Harper7 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 Sunday8 years ago in The Swamp
When Coffee Was a Dime
The world when coffee was a dime seems so distant now. The turbulence of the times mirrors much of the events that occurred almost like it was 86 years ago. Even though much has changed, much remains reminiscent of the times when coffee was a just a dime. In the 1930s, the world was filled with so much despair, woe, and misery. Sadly though, history always has found a way to repeat events that have played out before. And today the times are not that much different for millions when all you needed was a dime for that cup of coffee.
By Dr. Williams8 years ago in The Swamp
