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.
Say His Name: George Floyd
During the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone was in quarantine, daily life was interrupted, and everyone was staying safe from the deadly virus. However, one event that received national attention was the death of George Floyd. On May 25, 2020, the then 46-year-old was suspected of using fake money and was stopped by police and then, they held him to the ground. What happened next was shocking. Now former Minneapolis police officer and convicted murderer, Derek Chauvin, was seen on video pressing his knee on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes. Despite Floyd’s constant pleas that he couldn't breathe to Chauvin and from bystanders to let him breathe, Chauvin ignored their pleas and the other officers at the scene refused to intervene. Floyd’s death sparked worldwide outrage and protests from around the world. One of the things that continues to irk me is when anytime a black person has been killed by the police, most people would say the following: “If he/she would’ve followed the officer’s orders, then they wouldn’t have been shot.” This is such a tone deaf way of saying that a black person who lost their life deserved it. To me, it's a form of victim blaming. Even if they obeyed a police officer's orders, no one deserves to have their lives taken in a tragic manner. Also, opponents of racial injustice protests would also describe black people as thugs, drug dealers, and everything under the sun. As a person of color, I ask everyone to not paint all black people with one brush. You're missing the entire point of why we still hold Black Lives Matter protests. The point of these protests is to call for accountability of any police officer who takes the life of black individuals. In other words, arresting police officers as opposed to putting them on administrative leave (paid or unpaid) or on bond. Also, seeing them being convicted and sentenced to time in prison, making sure that the families of the slain receive justice.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in The Swamp
Trump’s Inauguration Relocated Indoors Due to Freezing Weather
Donald Trump announced that his inauguration as president will be moved indoors due to extremely cold weather expected in Washington, D.C., on the day of his swearing-in. This change in plans significantly alters the grand ceremonial expectations that usually accompany the event, particularly the outdoor setting on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Trump confirmed via his Truth Social platform that he had decided to hold the event in the Capitol Rotunda instead, citing the harsh Arctic blast sweeping across the country.
By Jebaraj Jacob about a year ago in The Swamp
Canada Warns of Major Trade War as Tariff Threats Loom from US
Tensions between Canada and the United States have risen significantly as trade-related disputes threaten to escalate. Following a recent announcement by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Canada’s leadership has expressed strong concerns over proposed tariffs on Canadian imports. In response, Canada is preparing to take firm retaliatory measures. This marks a critical juncture in North American trade relations, potentially impacting both economies significantly.
By Jebaraj Jacob about a year ago in The Swamp
Israel to Free 737 Prisoners in Initial Phase of Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
Jerusalem: In a landmark decision, Israel’s justice ministry has announced that 737 prisoners and detainees will be released as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, which was approved on Saturday. The ministry confirmed on its official website that the government has authorized the release of these individuals, who are currently held in Israeli prisons. This move is a key component of the broader agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions and facilitating the return of hostages held by Hamas.
By Jebaraj Jacob about a year ago in The Swamp
Powerful People Don't Live Forever: What's Implied When Influential People Die
When Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died in 2020, it obviously had significant political implications. It's not like no one mentioned her poor health, but it still came as a surprise. After all, she had missed a Supreme Court argument, which was something she was not known for.
By Wade Wainioabout a year ago in The Swamp
A Political Extremism Factory: How Social Media is Producing Political Polarization
The rise of social media has come with many benefits. It has allowed easier communication and the creation of community among people that otherwise may not have had it. It gives voices and platforms to everyday people and grants the average person access to virtually endless amounts of information to educate themselves on. However, as social media continues to grow and become an integral part of many people’s everyday lives we have seen the downsides. We have seen what happens when those communities that social media has created grow toxic and dangerous, and what happens when the “information” being spread is harmful and untrue. These things are especially true when it comes to politics on social media. The rapid spread of political misinformation and disinformation, assisted by social media algorithms, and the creation of echo chambers consisting of extremist ideologies has led to a significant increase in political polarization. Social media is turning average voters into political extremists, and it is having real world repercussions. There has been an increase in political attacks, most of which were at least partially assisted by social media, and it is becoming more clear than ever that social media is contributing to a more violent political landscape with its promotion of extremists' ideologies.
By Hannah Katzabout a year ago in The Swamp
