controversies
It seems every time one racially-charged incident ends, a gender or religious controversy takes its place; Ruminate on the issues dividing our nation and world.
Drug Epidemic
Most of us remember the tragic event of 9/11. Some of us even had friends and family who were impacted by this event. Thousands died in the event and there are probably still some unknown deaths. Imagine having a 9/11 event every 17 days. That is how many people die from drug overdose DAILY...
By Marissa Hall7 years ago in The Swamp
The Horrifying Reality of Child Marriage in the United States
A small, 11 year old girl, Sherry Johnson became pregnant. She was raped by a 20-year-old from her church. Instead of dealing with the police, her family and church decided it would be best for the 11 year old to marry her rapist. Her parents drove her to the next county over, which had a judge likely to give them a marriage license. Sherry had no choice in marrying her 20 year old rapist. Shortly after she married, she stopped going to elementary school. Surprisingly, this is much more common than you would think. When you think of child brides, the US doesn’t necessarily come to mind. The sad truth is that child marriage is legal in nearly every state.
By Lillian Myers7 years ago in The Swamp
How Outrage Culture Works Against You
People are always mad about something. Like a rollercoaster, the anger at indignity gets the adrenaline pumping, words get heated, and people feel the vindication of being right, or otherwise proving someone else wrong.
By Haley Booker-Lauridson7 years ago in The Swamp
Life Begins with the Choice
Let’s make one thing clear from the start. Pro-choice isn’t a euphemism for “pro-abortion.” No one wants to have an abortion. Sometimes it just so happens that one needs one. And if that’s the case, one must have such an option. I am pro-choice, yet the necessity to have an abortion is one of my worst fears.
By Gloria Willoughby7 years ago in The Swamp
The Evolution of Gun Laws in the United States
Since the right to bear arms was enshrined in the United States Constitution over 200 years ago, federal gun laws have been an evolving concept. Initially meant to allow citizens to protect themselves against a tyrannical government, the Second Amendment, and what it allows, has become a source of near constant debate among gun owners, advocates, law enforcement, and the media. In the wake of seemingly increasing incidences of school-based gun violence over the last 20 years, beginning with the Columbine High School shooting (and particularly in the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting), the conversation has been shifting more and more toward how to restrict gun rights and strengthen gun laws. Taking a look at our history, however, shows that this is not the first time a rash of crimes has started this conversation in the US.
By Craig Middleton7 years ago in The Swamp
Entry to the EEC Will Define Exit from the EU
It is just about three years since the referendum was held on UK membership of the European Union, and in that time there have been two Prime Ministers and two elections which ought never to have happened. The chaos that has ensued is made all the worse when one considers that current negotiations are merely preliminary. It has taken three years for nothing to happen.
By Fionnbharr Rodgers7 years ago in The Swamp
Denying Pride, Support, and the Rainbow Flag
It is heartbreaking to know that the path to equality and justice is not a linear one. This last week, Vice President Mike Pence admitted to the claims that the Trump Administration had been denying requests from embassies to fly the rainbow flag, the symbol of support to LGBTQ+ people. This new policy is a reversal of the Obama Administration policy, which was to grant all requests to fly the Pride flag during Pride Month.
By Haley Booker-Lauridson7 years ago in The Swamp
You Don't Need to Own a Gun
America is the world’s leader in gun-related killings. In the US, it costs as much money to own a MacBook, as it does to own an assault rifle. This is relatively little compared to the rest of the world. Additionally, the US has not tightened its gun legislation in response to mass shootings, as has been done in Australia after a mass shooting in 1996, or in New Zealand after the recent shooting in Christchurch.
By Craig Middleton7 years ago in The Swamp
Gun Control Sounds Good in Theory, But It's Really Not
One year and three months ago, the Marjorie Stonemann Douglas High School massacre took place in Parkland, Florida, killing seventeen people and injuring seventeen more. The gunman, Nikolas Cruz, was formally charged with seventeen counts of premeditated murder. Not long afterwards, government control over the ownership of firearms has been one of the most highly debated topics through the leftist media; the idea of gun control legislation was well-received, and even demanded by the public. Like any concept, there was reasonable opposition. The truth is, control over firearm ownership would have disastrous results.
By Devin Nassar-Reis7 years ago in The Swamp
Is China Robbing the USA of Its Intellectual Property?
In the midst of what many are calling a trade war, it is safe to say that the United States and China have had a competitive relationship in recent years. But, have both sides been playing a fair game? White House officials have accused the Chinese government of stealing American intellectual property. This is a discussion that can get confusing, so let’s define what intellectual property is.
By Craig Middleton7 years ago in The Swamp
