politicians

Reviews of the politicians kissing babies and running governments around the world; applaud and criticize the decisions they make and their implications.

Sunshine Firecracker’s "Theft Charges": Who Stole the Light on Apple Street?
Date: January 17, 2026 Location: Ephrata, PA In the court of public opinion, "Theft" is a dirty word. It implies a lack of character, a taking of something that isn't yours. But in the legal world—the world where I earned my Juris Doctor—theft is a statute with specific elements. It is a puzzle that must be proven.
By Sunshine Firecracker17 days ago in The Swamp
Pakistan Election Commission Suspends 159 Lawmakers for Asset Disclosure Failure. Content Warning.
Introduction The Election Commission of Pakistan has suspended 159 members of parliament and provincial assemblies. The action was taken because these lawmakers failed to submit details of their assets and liabilities. The suspended members include senators and members of the National Assembly and all four provincial assemblies. The ECP issued the suspension orders after a deadline for submission passed. This move enforces a legal requirement intended to promote transparency among elected officials.
By Saad 17 days ago in The Swamp
Identification, Authoritarianism, and the Moral Costs of Enduring Support
A common explanation for continued support for Donald Trump is informational deficit, the assumption that supporters do not know (or do not fully understand) his record, his rhetoric, or the downstream consequences of policies carried out in his name. That explanation is psychologically comforting because it implies a clean solution; more facts, more exposure and more education.
By Cadma18 days ago in The Swamp
The House of Skulls & The Grass Police: How Ephrata Missed a House of Horrors While Measuring Your Lawn
The Illusion Shatters On January 6, 2026, the comfortable illusion of "Public Safety" in the Borough of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, was shattered.
By Sunshine Firecracker20 days ago in The Swamp
The Remarkable, Heroic Life of Ted Williams
When you think of the Boston Red Sox, names such as David Ortíz, Pedro Martínez, and the late Tim Wakefield come to mind. However, the Red Sox player who is the focus of this story is none other than Ted Williams. Even if you're not a baseball fan, you've probably heard of his name at least once. Towards the end of this story, I'll share the one admirable thing Williams had done to get Major League Baseball's attention. But first, let's get to know the Hall of Famer's life and career.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 21 days ago in The Swamp
A Ghost Town Votes in Myanmar Election’s Second Phase. AI-Generated.
Introduction Myanmar’s military-led election entered its second phase under extraordinary circumstances, with one of the most striking moments unfolding in a town that no longer has residents. In a place reduced to rubble by years of conflict, ballot boxes were opened, officials stood guard, and votes were cast — even as the streets remained silent.
By Asad Ali22 days ago in The Swamp
Russia-Ukraine War: Key Developments on Day 1,416 of the Conflict. AI-Generated.
Introduction The Russia-Ukraine war has reached day 1,416, marking nearly four years since the full-scale invasion began. What was initially expected by many to be a short conflict has evolved into one of the most prolonged and consequential wars in modern European history. Each passing day brings new military developments, diplomatic signals, and humanitarian consequences that continue to reshape regional and global politics.
By Mohammed Azam24 days ago in The Swamp
Doug LaMalfa and the Quiet Power of Rural California Politics
Politics often feels loud, crowded, and distant from everyday life. Yet far from major cities and cable news studios, a different kind of political story unfolds. It happens in farming towns, water districts, and county meetings where decisions shape daily survival. Doug LaMalfa has spent years operating in that quieter space. His name rarely trends, but his influence reaches deep into rural California. To understand his role is to understand a part of America that often feels unseen. This article looks beyond headlines to explore how Doug LaMalfa built his political identity, what he represents to his supporters, and why his work continues to stir strong feelings across California’s agricultural heartland.
By Muqadas khan27 days ago in The Swamp
Miniature Mind Musings #11:
Are there infinite levels to this lowness, or is there a sale on somewhere? Blink for one minute… Sheesh! I don’t think words like “politics” or “leadership” are gonna be definitions that leave the masses feeling all warm and fuzzy inside anymore for a long time.
By The Dani Writer27 days ago in The Swamp
HMRC Hits 300,000 Taxpayers With “Trivial” Bills — Why Small Tax Errors Are Becoming a Big Problem
Thousands of people across the UK were surprised — and in many cases frustrated — after receiving unexpected letters from HMRC demanding payment for what many are calling “trivial” tax bills. According to recent reports, around 300,000 taxpayers have been contacted by HM Revenue & Customs over small underpayments, some as low as just a few pounds. While the amounts may seem minor, the impact has been anything but small.
By Waqar Khan27 days ago in The Swamp
Mette Frederiksen: Greenland isn't Yours!
Trump has always been obsessed with Greenland. During his first term, he mentioned it then. Now, in his second coming, President Trump stated the US needs Greenland for defence. Mentioning Russian and Chinese ships that pass that way. Of course, one has to take into account the minerals that lie under the snow that covers Greenland. So is Trump's interest merely for defence or business or both? The irony of it is that Greenland already has a US military base there with the permission of Denmark.
By Nicholas Bishop27 days ago in The Swamp
Trump Says He Doesn’t Believe Ukraine Struck Putin’s Residence. AI-Generated.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly cast doubt on reports suggesting that Ukraine targeted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence, adding another layer of controversy to an already volatile conflict. Speaking amid heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Trump said he does not believe Kyiv carried out an attack on Putin’s personal residence, pushing back against claims circulating in Russian media and online platforms.
By Aarif Lashari28 days ago in The Swamp