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.
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
Arrested for Wanting to Live?
Last Thursday I logged on to Facebook and was shocked to see videos of Capitol Police forcibly removing disabled protestors from the hallway in front of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's office. It was appalling to see how the protestors, who were exercising their constitutional right, were being treated. One of my friends was among those forcibly removed from their wheelchairs and carried out. With her hands zip-tied behind her back, she was later put back in her chair so she could be loaded into a police bus and taken away to be officially arrested and processed. Thankfully she is alright. The recently aired Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, released June 22, will treat approximately 75 million Americans with that same level of care and compassion regardless of age, race, gender, or ability.
By Erin Vallely9 years ago in The Swamp
Grenfell Tower Fire and the Dominate Ideology
Those responsible, along with their allies within society, are now furiously denying their involvement, blaming everything from EU to the opposition, whilst trying to discredit those who fight for the victims within the political arena. For a saving of two pounds per square inch, the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organization who were responsible for Grenfell Tower refurbishment failed to install fire-resistant cladding. The £8.7 million refurbishment also failed to install a sprinkler system, or even cover basic fire safety equipment. Even when the local authority is “doing the right thing” by evacuating and rehousing those affected, media outlets insinuate that these measures are unfair and unjust. Despite the obvious political choices made to save money at the expense of providing people with lower incomes with safe housing and its repercussions, it is those who stand for the poor and want change who are in the wrong.
By Phillip Woodford9 years ago in The Swamp
£1bn Deal Agreed Between Conservatives & DUP and The Death of Austerity
Following the shambolic election campaign, embarrassing Queen's Speech and the controversial move to hold a 2-year parliamentary session, Theresa May has today announced that a deal has been reached between the Conservative Party and the right-wing DUP.
By Jordan Catto9 years ago in The Swamp
