Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in The Swamp.
'Revolutionary Keywords for a New Left' by Ian Parker
Revolutionary Keywords for a New Left (Zero Books, 2017) is an atypical dictionary where one can find 50 relevant keywords for left politics. Already in 1975, the British marxist Raymond Williams published Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society. In doing so, he highlighted the importance of language to build a system of thought for the left. In the last essay that works as a conclusion for the book, Ian Parker revises the trajectory of different keywords for the left dividing it in three periods; before the 1917 Russian Revolution, from 1917 to 1967, and from 1967 to 2017. By using as support material Raymond William's book, this catalogue allows us to observe the evolution of the political vocabulary and compare both, how the use of words changes throughout the years and which words enter and disappear from the lexicon. Parker takes over the immense endeavour of updating and renewing that vocabulary, modernising it within the present social framework. The task is gigantic and Parker, who is well aware of that, warns in the introduction of the numerous perils of an self-centred academia isolated in a marble tower, ignoring the real world while debating and discussing aimlessly, and how political activists are generally reluctant to use terms from an academic background for being considered too intellectual and not relevant in the practical field.
By Guillermo Fernandez8 years ago in The Swamp
Who Is Still Supporting the GOP?
If you have been watching the news, then you know about the recent events in the world of national politics. The special election of Alabama, the US decision of recognizing Israel, and Congress' determination of passing its controversial tax bill. All of these events surely have people thinking one thing: How is the GOP still here?
By Sierra George8 years ago in The Swamp
Best Nonfiction Books About the Republican Party
Right now, there seems to be an identity crisis going on in the American political scene. The Democratic Party has become famous for being liberal, and the Republican Party has become known for being the party of Trump, bigotry, and sexism.
By Mackenzie Z. Kennedy8 years ago in The Swamp
The Dire State of British Politics
As a 16 year old, I do not yet have the right to vote; my voice cannot be heard and neither can the voices of over 1.5 million other 16-17 year olds. For now, we must make our voices heard in other ways. If these 1.5 million people had the vote available to them, this ‘coalition of chaos’ that is currently in power may not have had to have formed, putting the country in a far better position for the forthcoming Brexit negotiations. As a matter of fact, if these 16-17 year olds had access to the vote in the referendum, then the result may have differed from the one we see today.
By Thomas Ralph8 years ago in The Swamp
Why the UN is Touring the US
How do we make it better? This is a rant, an opinion, a talking point and a life on the edge. Here it is... My life has been one up and down, mostly down, after another. I can't seem to get to a place of any comfort. Whether it be for my mind or for my broken body. This isn't the land of opportunity anymore. No, this is not a level playing field.
By jessica young8 years ago in The Swamp
Canadian Liberal Party Bullying All Who Disagree
As applications for Summer Student grants are being submitted, many potential employers are concerned. A new mandate from the Canadian Liberal government has made it mandatory for those receiving the grant to agree with their point of view. This has caused concern and disappointment among many people who wish to hire temporary employees, specifically students for the summer months.
By P.E. Lihou8 years ago in The Swamp
One Problem With the Constitution
Article 2 of the Constitution sets up the executive branch. In section 1 it specifically says “No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the same time of the adoption of this constitution, shall be illegible to the office of president…” This basically means that any person born in any country other than United States cannot run for president.
By aoirhg a;oeirhg;o8 years ago in The Swamp
Net Neutrality: A Balanced Approach to Both Sides
In one corner: The FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. And then there's the people, the group paying for things. Because let's be honest, those living in categories of prosperity and wealth might care but aren't nearly as affected by the possible (and I mean possible,not actual) downsides of certain parties having theoretical control over what we view. The issue for them would be price, which is not a practical issue for someone in the USA making over 75 grand a year.
By TLS Sherpa8 years ago in The Swamp
Syrian Santa
It wasn't long before Christmas in Amman, the capital of Jordan. I'd overheard a stranger talking about a Muslim Syrian refugee who was working as a Santa Claus actor in one of Amman's many malls. Using a little internet sleuthing, I managed to find the mall and get in touch.
By Alex Sinclair8 years ago in The Swamp
Trump's Forbidden Words: 'Fetus,' 'Transgender' Among Them
From the files of the insanity that is the Trump administration comes news that there are now certain words that are no longer supposed to turn up in any official documentation. Thanks to the Centers for Disease Control in the United States, the public at large can see the words that are deemed so terrible that they can no longer appear in government documents.
By Christina St-Jean8 years ago in The Swamp
