activism
Grassroots campaigns have proven instrumental in bringing about political, social or environmental change; you've got to start somewhere-might as well start here.
On Why Democrats are the Greater Problem for Progressives
The virtually identical governance structures within our duopoly, i.e., the Democratic and Republican parties, pose virtually identical civic dangers. The results of their policies are virtually indistinguishable notwithstanding their differing rhetoric and propaganda which fools the gullible into thinking otherwise. That is especially true given the collusion of the mainstream “disinformation” media. Their main difference is that one is hypocritical and cynical while the other is just blatantly wrong; very, very wrong, at least from a progressive perspective. It brings to mind the defense of a politician accused of wrong doing arguing that she was not corrupt, merely inept; in either case, of course, that’s hardly a solace to the people affected (see, e.g., the campaigns and administrations of Bill and Hillary Clinton, George W. Bush, Barrack Obama and most recently, Donald J. Trump).wrong doing arguing that she was not corrupt, merely inept; in either case, of course, that’s hardly a solace to the people affected (see, e.g., the campaigns and administrations of Bill and Hillary Clinton, George W. Bush, Barrack Obama and most recently, Donald J. Trump).
By Guillermo Calvo9 years ago in The Swamp
A Journey Through Mexico City
Colonialism is the immovable stain on the fabric of humanity. A nation free from its grasp may strive to erase its dark past, yet its indelible marks remain on the land and its people. Survival of the fittest, they brand it, the strong devouring the weak has become the blueprint for mass murder, providing ample justification for military occupation, the raping and pillaging of lands, the dehumanization of a people ultimately stripping an entire nation of its identity. Those that opt to defend and protect their homeland face imprisonment and death. The skewed and twisted ideologies borne out of greed, racism and a flawed theology inspire men to lay waste to whole communities. Only when submission is seen as the only viable option is hegemony allowed to run its course, convincing a nation that their actions are morally justified, its people now contained inside the walls of their invisible prison, enjoying faux freedoms. Despite the efforts to take control of an occupied land and its indigenous people, resistance remains and victory is measured in terms of independence. And yet, as much as any oppressed nation feels a sense of liberation, the shackles of influence left behind are harder to remove.
By Jermaine Lebert9 years ago in The Swamp
Free Speech and the New Left
In 1964, the University of California Berkeley was engaging in what would come to be known as The Free Speech Movement. During this time subversive ideas were plentiful, though not all embraced, especially by federal and local law enforcement. At the same time, a mass of students at UC Berkeley were engaged in passively handing out civil rights literature in an attempt to challenge the status quo. While this would be seen as perfectly acceptable by most standards today, Hollander Savio spoke to NPR News about how contemptible these acts were at the time by law enforcement. According to NPR News, Savio recalls that she watched a former mathematics graduate student being arrested for distributing civil rights literature (Gonzales). Fast forward to circa 2016, so called “safe spaces” are being advocated, or more appropriately characterized as demanded, by the New Left. Safe spaces as defined by The Chicago Tribune are areas which serve to shelter students from speakers and/or topics that may be traumatizing, uncomfortable or offensive (Rhodes, Vivanco). One should be shocked that this censorship and disabling of free speech and open discourse comes from the “descendants” of the Berkeley Free Speech Movement. Not only has the New Left abandoned one of the Old Left’s defining historical moments, it’s abandoned the idea that free speech is in place to protect a citizen’s right to speak openly about unpopular ideas and that that same right should be granted to all citizens without prejudice.
By Kent Prion9 years ago in The Swamp
Trump's Pride—Or Lack Thereof
When you start in a new job, sometimes it's a very good thing to establish your own norms and traditions. It's important to stick with the terms of reference for your job, but sometimes—especially when you're in a leadership position—it's really important to put yourself out there and establish your own presence in the body of those traditions.
By Christina St-Jean9 years ago in The Swamp
Saving America and the West
Saving America and the West There are many things facilitating the full-blown socioeconomic collapse of Western Civilization as a whole. From endless proxy wars, incessant migration, Islamic terrorism, the state of affairs in America and Europe has awoken many people to the fact that the New World Order exists, and to the plans being fostered by that Elite. However, on top of the things just mentioned, there are many Revolutionary Communist groups funded by the Elite, along with corrupt politicians, central bankers, crooked officials, unjust laws, and lobbyists. While many people are fighting back against these things, there are still those that choose to remain apathetic and uninvolved.
By Jake Philip9 years ago in The Swamp
Yes, This Is Tone Policing
The logic goes something like this: critiquing the tone of someone’s argument is a tool of oppression. Accusations of “Tone Policing” are designed to limit the scope of a political debate to the content of one’s rhetoric, not its mode of delivery.
By Dan Johnson9 years ago in The Swamp
Black-on-Black Crime Is a Reality
You know, sometimes I have a hard time understanding my fellow Americans. I really don’t understand why some white people believe that black people (as a whole), and Black Lives Matter (as an organization) are fine with black criminals killing each other as well as killing other innocent blacks… but seem to get pissed when the police do it.
By Dre Joseph9 years ago in The Swamp
The GOP Punched Itself in the Face
In one of my previous pieces, I put forward the idea that the healthcare bill championed by Mitch McConnell was a huge political miscalculation. Since then, the bill was put on the back burner for a lack of votes and the social media and actual media response has been brutal at a minimum.
By Joshua Guess9 years ago in The Swamp
Westminster's DUP Deal Could Bring Equalities Reform
Finally, we actually have a government in Westminster. Sure, it’s not the greatest option, but the Conservative-DUP amalgam is the best we could hope for in the present circumstances. It’s been something of a worry to commentators across the political spectrum, as the DUP are extremely socially conservative, and Northern Irish politics, in general, are held back by religious influences.
By Katy Preen9 years ago in The Swamp
Trouble Ahead... and It's Not Just from Islamist Killers!
We've had a rough time recently in the UK with terrorist murders in London and Manchester - and these vile assassins may strike again in the coming months. Fortunately, we've got our police, the army and our security services to protect us. But there are now threats of more riots, serious anti-social behaviour and unruly demonstrations on our streets. So where are the threats coming from? Well—there are escalating numbers of potentially violent Labour lefties. But there are also "nice" liberals who write for newspapers like The Guardian and broadcast freely on our once cherished and previously not too biased BBC.
By Phil Rowan9 years ago in The Swamp
Religious Privilege: Child Marriage
In December of 2010, the US Congress held a vote on S987, which would grant support to young girls in other countries, who were trying to escape forced, child marriages. This bill needed a 2/3 majority approval in congress to pass, which it did obtain in the Senate. In the House of Representatives, however, the bill was defeated due to a last minute push by Republicans. Of these Republicans, 157 opposed the bill, and only twelve supported it.
By Jesse Booker9 years ago in The Swamp
