politics
Politics does not dictate our collective cultural mindset as much as it simply reflects it; We've got to look in the mirror sometimes, and we've got one.
Gun Violence in the U.S.. Content Warning.
Gun violence in the United States is no secret. Anyone with access to a computer or news outlets is aware of the impact gun violence has on U.S. citizens. This year alone has already seen approximately 22,000 gun deaths – this includes homicides and suicides. I’ve put together a compilation of gun violence statistics for anyone who wants more information but may not have the time to do the research on their own. While these numbers are changing frequently and we can never know the exact statistics at every minute, I’ve cross-checked multiple sources to give you the most accurate information available.
By Shaley Speaks4 months ago in The Swamp
Trump Announces Israel, Hamas Agree to ‘First Phase’ of Gaza Ceasefire — A Diplomatic Turning Point?
Trump’s Announcement and Global Reactions On October 8, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the “first phase” of a Gaza ceasefire. The declaration instantly drew international attention, being seen as both a diplomatic breakthrough and a risky political gamble. Global leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, cautiously welcomed the development, urging both sides to ensure the ceasefire holds. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “great day,” while Hamas leadership in Gaza confirmed their readiness to comply but insisted that international guarantors ensure Israel’s adherence.
By Waqar Khan4 months ago in The Swamp
The Myth of the Public’s “Right to Know” Is Falling Apart. AI-Generated.
We’ve all heard it: “The public has a right to know.” It’s a rallying cry for transparency, truth, and freedom of information. But lately, I’ve been questioning what that “right” even means — and more importantly, what people actually do with the information once they get it.
By Rena Thorne4 months ago in The Swamp
Gold Will Hit $4,400 by Q2 2026, So Any Correction Is a Buying Opportunity – TDS’ Bart Melek
Bart Melek of TDS says that since gold will reach $4,400 in the second quarter of 2026, any correction is a good time to buy. Gold prices are projected to surge to around $4,400 an ounce by the second quarter of 2026, according to Bart Melek, Head of Commodity Strategy at TD Securities. Investors are anticipating a prolonged period of global economic uncertainty, persistent inflationary pressures, and a structural shift in central bank policy toward greater gold accumulation as a result of his bullish forecast. Melek is of the opinion that investors should view any short-term price corrections in gold as opportunities to increase their positions rather than reasons to sell. Several macroeconomic and geopolitical factors continue to support gold's long-term strength, which is the foundation of Melek's optimism. He argues that the days of low inflation and loose monetary policy are over, and even if global central banks keep interest rates higher for a while, real yields will probably stay negative once inflation is taken into account. Melek stated, "Gold thrives in environments where real yields are suppressed." "Investors will gravitate toward gold even if nominal rates remain elevated because inflation expectations will negate much of the yield advantage of traditional assets." Central bank demand is one of the most significant factors that influence Melek's forecast. As a hedge against geopolitical risk and the reliance on the US dollar, emerging economies, particularly China, India, and Russia, have steadily increased their gold reserves over the past few years. The World Gold Council says that central banks have been buying gold at record levels, and official sector demand is expected to be at its highest level in over 50 years in 2024. According to Melek, "as the global monetary order becomes increasingly multipolar, gold will serve as a neutral reserve asset, boosting its long-term value," he anticipates that this pattern will continue. Melek also cited the ongoing instability in geopolitics as an important support factor. Gold's role as a safe-haven asset has been strengthened by conflicts in the Middle East, heightened tensions between the United States and China, and uncertainty regarding global trade policies. Investors turn to gold for protection whenever the geopolitical landscape becomes unpredictable, he stated. "The recent events have demonstrated that such volatility is structural rather than temporary," Melek also said that the move to a lower-carbon economy and the ongoing fiscal expansion in advanced economies will make inflationary pressures worse, which could be good for gold. Green infrastructure, defense, and social programs are getting more money from governments all over the world, often by running huge deficits. Melek stated, "Fiscal policy is not going to tighten anytime soon." "That means there is more growth in the money supply, more risk of inflation, and more demand for real assets like gold." Melek is of the opinion that there is still a significant amount of upside ahead for gold, despite the fact that it has already experienced significant gains through the year 2025. Supported by safe-haven purchases and accumulation by the central bank, the metal has traded above $2,500 for much of the year. However, a strong U.S. dollar and rising bond yields have been cited as potential barriers to further gains by some analysts. Melek disagrees, claiming that rather than a reversal of the long-term uptrend, any pullback brought on by short-term profit-taking or technical corrections would be "a healthy reset." He emphasized that such corrections should be viewed as opportunities to enter or expand positions by long-term investors. He stated, "Smart money should take advantage of gold falling below $2,400 or even $2,200." "It is impossible to ignore the fundamental drivers—monetary policy, inflation, and central bank buying." One of the most bullish projections among major investment banks is Melek's $4,400 gold target for the second quarter of 2026, which is nearly double the current level. Although most analysts continue to be more conservative than TD Securities, analysts at Goldman Sachs and UBS have also raised their medium-term gold forecasts. Market strategists are increasingly agreeing that gold's next major cycle could last well into the second half of the decade, despite differing timing opinions. A sustained bull market appears to be being set up by geopolitical fragmentation, structural inflation, and a shifting global financial order. Melek concluded by saying, “Gold’s long-term story remains intact. Gold will continue to shine as investors seek stability and the world becomes more uncertain. Over the next 18 months, we anticipate steady price increases, with any corrections serving as excellent buying opportunities for those with patience and foresight. Gold could enter a new era of record valuations if Melek's prediction is correct, reaffirming the metal's status as the ultimate store of value in times of change and reshaping investment strategies worldwide.
By GLOBAL NEWS4 months ago in The Swamp
Tesla Launches Cheaper Versions of Model Y and Model 3 to Regain Market Share
To regain market share, Tesla introduces cheaper Model Y and Model 3 models. Tesla has introduced more affordable versions of its popular Model Y and Model 3 electric vehicles in an attempt to recover lost market share during what has been a challenging year for the company. Tesla is able to offer lower entry prices for potential customers because the new trims, which are referred to as the "standard" versions, are priced strategically lower than their original base models and come with fewer features. The Model 3 Standard starts at $36,990, while the newly released Model Y Standard now costs around $39,990. These prices are before any state or local incentives, which can further reduce the final cost for consumers. In some states, rebates bring the Model 3’s cost below $35,000, making it one of the more affordable long-range EVs currently available on the market.
By GLOBAL NEWS4 months ago in The Swamp
How the turn tables. Top Story - October 2025.
“Well. Well. Well. How the turn tables…” The awkward words uttered by Michael Scott. It’s a bastardized version of “how the tables have turned,” used to indicate a reversal or irony of a situation. And oh, how the tables have turned.
By Hayden Searcy4 months ago in The Swamp
TACO Calling PACO - 5
This conversation happened on October 7, 2025 at 8 pm Moscow time. "Hello, Vladimir?" "Yes, Donald." [dryly] "Happy Birthday, my dear friend! Some friendships are forever, I hope? So, I'm calling to say Happy Birthday and wish you all the best."
By Lana V Lynx4 months ago in The Swamp
'We were treated like animals', deported Gaza flotilla activists say
Following their detention by Israeli authorities, activists from the Gaza flotilla claimed that they were "treated like animals" during their capture and deportation. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which was made up of activists from all over the world, was sailing toward Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid when it was stopped by Israeli naval forces in what the participants claim to be international waters. Before Israel began deporting people, over 400 people, including citizens of multiple nations, were held in detention. After being expelled, many of the deported activists arrived in Istanbul and shared stories of humiliation, intimidation, and violence. They alleged that Israeli forces used excessive force during the raid, deploying armed troops and water cannons to stop the flotilla. They claimed that while they were detained, they were subjected to verbal and physical abuse, were kept in harsh conditions, and were deprived of sleep, food, and water. Some activists claimed they were forced to kneel for hours, faced insults, and were struck when they tried to move. Others said that at detention centers, lights were kept on throughout the night and guards would enter rooms shouting and banging on doors to prevent rest.
By GLOBAL NEWS4 months ago in The Swamp
