opinion
Opinion pieces from the left, right, and everyone in between.
Can Political Plurality Stop Extremism From Destabilising Democracy?
Extremist-led Disruption of Democracy Interference in or the disruption of elections is a serious business. The idea of foreign actors influencing national politics, societal debate and policy decisions is far beyond creepy. It is immoral and dangerous.
By EdgarHuitema6 years ago in The Swamp
Were the Founding Fathers good or bad people?
Growing up, I was given a highly polarized image of the men who founded the United States of America. On one side of the spectrum was a portrait of glorious god-like figures who embodied liberty and held eternally great ideas. The other was evil slave owners who didn’t care about anyone except rich people and money. Are they both true? Is there a grey area somewhere in between these two highly contrasted images? No, of course not. Usually, I can find a grey area in almost any subject, but not this one. Because neither of these images are accurate at all. Not all of the founding fathers had perfect ideas, and not all of them believed in slavery. Both images are either a mythical and excessively cynical one. They’re founded on extreme bias and sensational interpretations of American colonial history. Yes, many of the founding fathers were rich and were being taxed by the British. That doesn’t mean money was the only factor in their rebellion against Britain. Particularly for the founding fathers who actually took the time to build a well-designed government in place of merely ruling as kings. Not to mention the founding fathers who were not a part of the wealthy class. Legends like Samuel Adams, who was such a charismatic figure they named a brewery after him in Boston. Although he did come from a wealthy family, he wasn’t concerned with money but was more of a political idealist.
By Landon Girod6 years ago in The Swamp
Prototype Debate
Education profoundly utilized in our era. Area is perfect for individuals who will save us. We are faced with the fact that others have learning ability or better ideas besides us. Thousands of protest, scholarly advice, Supreme Court decisions, testimony and action are in the forefront. Court decisions have come a long way from chancellor courts. Dangerous times increase importance of resolves join people for each other welfare. The more peril we see, the more people must respond. This helps our efforts to be worthwhile.
By Pearl Thomas6 years ago in The Swamp
Reason First: Gunman in Milwaukee Kills Five, Self
Here’s a thought experiment: imagine if all Americans from the youngest crawling to oldest walking possessed a gun. Consider the fact that each one of them received ample training in the art of firearms handling. Contemplate not free health care, but free guns. If the streets became flooded with boomsticks, what would happen to neighborhoods? If guns proliferated school buildings, churches, office buildings, movie theaters, and other businesses, what would the landscape of the United States look like?
By Skyler Saunders6 years ago in The Swamp
Reason First: Legalize All Drugs Now
America’s prisons swell with tens of thousands of drug related cases. Why is this? What role ought the government play in what substances are produced, distributed, sold, and consumed on the streets of the United States? Anthony “Geezy” Gonzalez recently broke free of the constraints of the legal system. As manager to the rap duo Clipse, he spent his time focusing on furthering their careers. That was until he was busted for running a multi-million-dollar drug ring for which he served eight and a half years behind the wall. His story is not unique. There are many nonviolent offenders or people who currently sit in prison who never started force against another human being. Now, what they were selling happens to be poison but what, besides setting an age limit on who can make and take these drugs, does the government have to do with regulating or prosecuting some adults who serve other adults? Geezy doesn’t appear bitter. With a salt and pepper beard and an extremely calm demeanor, he could be a college professor or a deacon to a church.
By Skyler Saunders6 years ago in The Swamp
About Reparations
There’s only one thing we have in common and that one thing is reparations. There is so much to talk about when it comes to reparations and it’s very necessary. We can talk about reparations after I have received all of them. In my account. I’m am very glad I have my reparations. I could say that I am glad to have my reparations. That would only prove that I am glad to have my reparations. You are achieving a new phase of happiness now that you have your reparations. I mean we are all leveling up. So is Ciara. She been had her reparations. You see her over there dancing in the end zone with her husband Russel Crowe? They have a great future. Yes sir they dew. It rained yesterday, very suprising. A pleasant surprise. Like getting reparations. The future of reparations looks wonderful. Almost as wonderful as Mr. wonderful himself. You know who I’m talking about. Me. That’s right. Having your reparations means taking your power back. Take all of it back. Do not leave an ounce to be spent. Grab your reparations and you can do whatever you want with them. They are yours to keep. They are yours to spend and do whatever you please with them. You can lay them on the ground and roll over them with a dough roller if you want. After you are finished with that you can make pizza out of your reparations. Add some toppings too. I like a nice supreme pizza. I like my pizza like I like my reparations. Nice and supreme. What is your favorite type of pizza? I just had pizza last night. It was good too. The cashier didn’t even have to warm it up. It was already hot. Reparations should be high quality hot and ready. Little Caesars loves reparations and so do I. What are you going to do when you get your reparations? Most of us will most likely be eating pizza. Everyone loves pizza. Even vegans and vegetarians. They try to pretend like they do and they actually do. Well some of them. Not all of them. I can only speak for those in need of reparations. After all I am speaking for a lot of people. All of my personalities in fact. If you have friends that are the opposite color of you. Talk to them about reparations. Do it. Me and Shia Lebouf had this conversation where he was inviting me to attend this movie screening. They were asking about 90 plus dollars to attend. You think I went to that? The answer is no. He never mentioned that I would in fact be receiving more of my reparations by not attending. No thanks Even Stevens. I mean Shia labeouf. I love him he’s such a great actor. So am I. I will act like reparations are one of the most important topics in the world because they are. I want you to know that. Go get yours while they are on sale. Take what you get and invest in yourself. That’s what I am talking about. What are you talking about? I know. Reparations. I have a story for every time I am discriminated against. I’m going to write a story for every person out there giving me the side eye. You never look at me with the right eye. This is not about what you never do. It’s about what I need. I need reparations. I’m only posting this because I know you’ll read it. Do more than read it. Please share. Sharing is caring. Some people care and some people give reparations. Its your job to give me my reparations. You get paid on the amount of reparations I receive. You better work. I know I am. I work hard for mines. Don’t look at me like I don’t either. Don’t teach me how to speak. English is not even my native language. So I’d rather be speaking in Spanish. Comprende? I think you get the point.
By Calvin Holloway6 years ago in The Swamp
Reason First: Is There any Good in Supremacist Groups?
Does it matter if one’s skin color is a few shades lighter than someone else’s? What’s in their brain? What’s in their spirit, or consciousness? White supremacist groups in the state of New Jersey have been designated a higher threat level based on increased propaganda and the possibility for another incident like the shooting at the El Paso, Texas Walmart.
By Skyler Saunders6 years ago in The Swamp
With President Sanders, I Could Marry My Dog!
So, is it just me, or is beastiality a totally demeaning and insulting term? Both to the humans who enjoy it, and to animals in general. I mean, who is the beast in the equation? I know society isn't judging me and calling me a beast, yet referring to the animals as beasts is just short-sighted! Was Lassie a beast? Was Flipper a beast? I know for a fact the Taco Bell Chihuahua wasn't a beast, I've met him! Twice!
By Regular Person6 years ago in The Swamp
Reparations
To start reparations is something that can benefit the entire human race. This is not a race or about race this is more than a race. This is about reparations. That’s not to say that the cat down the roads life does not matter. Black lives are the only thing you care about. There are reparations waiting for me at my front door right now. I’ll open it myself. Don’t worry. I’m trying my best to communicate the prevalence and importance of this. There’s no amount of Colin Kaepernick. That can make me stand for the pledge of allegiance. What am I doing standing for the pledge anyway? I need someone in congress to pledge for Reparations. The United States of Black People. Please watch your tone. The United States of Black people needs reparations. The Jews already got theirs. We have ours. We have more than ours. We have theirs too. I’m trying to maximize profit and earning potential in the World. As reparations is something that the world is agreeing to. There’s no amount or white bus rides or train rides that can hide my reparations from me. Because I already saw them. Please fix your posture and stand up straight when you talk about reparations. I’m almost done saying what I have to say as it has been said before. BC. The talk about reparations may make you feel like you are owed something. I got great news for you. You are. There’s no amount of pain in the world that I’ve had to pay. Listen to what they are saying in the movies. They know everything. Do they really care? Who cares? I don’t. Because at this point the reparations are already in my hand and that’s what I came here for. I’m not following nobody. Not even up the escalator. We have to take the long way for great results. Don’t look dumb stupid and lost when the topic is brought up to. I know what reparations is. It’s your job to re-educate yourself at this point. Not mine. We’re not living our lives as clueless blacks.
By Calvin Holloway6 years ago in The Swamp
NFKs Church St.
All my life I have lived in Norfolk; a city which for almost thirty six years has taught me to fear Church Street. It was the red light district of Norfolk, home to drugs, sex, violence, and most importantly home to the weakest, and poorest of Norfolk. A lot of these imagines in my head are placed their by words told to me, because I was never allowed in that part of town. Many members of my family and connected members weren’t fast drivers, yet anytime we’d find ourselves in or near Church Street, the engine would begin to race, the scene become blurred, as we smoked through those 10-12 blocks as fast as we could.
By Erik DeSean Barrett6 years ago in The Swamp
The Constrained and Unconstrained Vision of America
Over my years teaching students from all walks of life, including immigrants, I was always amazed at the fortitude of those immigrants to succeed. I noticed this same fortitude among students coming from all religions and cultures. They came from broken homes, abusive marriages, and poverty. I have also seen many students coming from mills and manufacturing plants that closed due to poor trade deals made by our government. We would also see second career seekers from industry, military, or government. These students represented the true diversity of our society that is not defined by race and gender. They were successful if they were given the opportunity, and they assimilated into the culture of healthcare regardless of race or gender. Their talents and experiences brought a diversity of thought, which helped them succeed.
By Bill Croft6 years ago in The Swamp
