opinion
Opinion pieces from the left, right, and everyone in between.
The Call to Action: Why the World Has to Stand by Ukraine
At the very core of Eastern Europe, a struggle rages that transcends across borders and ideologies. Ukraine is an independent country with an aspiration to be democratic, severely under attack and harrowing intimidation from its formidable neighbor, Russia. This conflict does not concern municipal disputes or political differences; rather, it is a frontline struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and global stability. With the world as witness, the stakes are quite plain: if we allow Ukraine to fall, Russia's ambitions will not end there. It will have far-reaching repercussions, threatening the peace and security of the entire world.
By Dave Karpinskyabout 19 hours ago in The Swamp
I think I may have to vote
I wasn't upset when they told me that I couldn't vote anymore. I didn't want to go through the red tape to reinstate my voting privilege. I figured there's no way to ever vote for the right person, and I don't trust the voting system anyway. I've had my opinions about my country, the structure, principles, constitution, legislation, and history. I've been watching things change since the Reagan administration. I could recap all the follies of every Presidency I've endured since 1971. But I won't waste your time with my skewed historical summary. Instead, I will just say that of the three "taboos" (sex, religion, and politics) Americans seem quite satisfied taking on religion and politics, but they are still the most hush hush and hypocritical when it comes to sex.
By Shanon Marie Clare Angermeyer Normana day ago in The Swamp
The Emoji That Never Existed
In the world of emojis, where every symbol tells a story, there's a curious case that has puzzled many: the elusive robber emoji. Countless people claim to remember seeing it, yet it doesn't exist in any official emoji library. Is this a case of a Mandela Effect phenomenon or a simple misunderstanding? Let's explore the intriguing story behind the non-existent robber emoji.
By Joshua Williams4 days ago in The Swamp
Britain's Press Freedom 2010 -2024
The UK’s ranking in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) was 19th in 2010 and to date in 2024 the ranking was 23rd. So, not really a disaster in terms of press freedom but it is what happened in the intervening years and the overall stasis in the ranking that causes concern.
By Alan Russell5 days ago in The Swamp
Downtown Clearwater Library is a controversy
I've resided in Clearwater since 2010. I've worked at many places that no longer exist here like the Steak n Shake on U.S. 19 and the little telemarketing office that once employed me near Ulmerton and 66th. I've also worked for places that still do exist like Postcardmania and Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Gandy Beach (the way it was) is gone, transformed into a mangrove preserve. Our Pinellas County public libraries are either improving or vanishing. The Clearwater officials (regarding the downtown library) decided to go with improvements, but the million dollar ampitheater project came with much controversy including the resignation of a mayor.
By Shanon Marie Clare Angermeyer Norman12 days ago in The Swamp
Did Donald Trump Create The Apex Of Post-Shame Culture?
New York State: "Never back down": The rich and the powerful are exploiting a post-shame society, and it's popularity is growing. Where once the powerful stepped down, now they hang on for dear life until the elephant in the room dissapears.
By Rootbound Homestead13 days ago in The Swamp
Everyone Should Vote Democrat in November
I’m not a Democrat, or at least not a natural one. I consider myself a small-government liberal. We’re so used to hearing “small-government conservative” that hearing something different might ring like an oxymoron to some people, but to my mind, liberalism — which is fundamentally about individual freedoms — organically aligns with a small-government approach. If we could ever have a viable libertarian party, I would probably only ever vote for them, but as it stands, I identify as independent and have voted for Democrats most of my adult life.
By Martin Vidal16 days ago in The Swamp
Global Wealth Disparities
I've had a discussion with someone about the state of the global economic affairs and had to pull some data illustrating why the young people are getting increasingly disengaged, frustrated, and quiet quitting from the traditional work patterns and business models. It's not that they don't want to work, it's rather that they've cracked the code: No matter how hard you work and how dedicated you are, your life situation will be improving only incrementally, if at all, when you hold a traditional job.
By Lana V Lynx20 days ago in The Swamp
Penny Mordaunt: Next Tory Leader?
Penny Mordaunt is possibly the replacement for Sunak, should he as seems likely, lose the election. Penny did try for the leadership before but was beaten by the ill-fated Liz Truss. When Sunak became the Prime Minister Penny became a minister in his cabinet. Penny is the MP for Plymouth which has a proud naval reputation. Plymouth is still the home of the Royal Navy to this day. Penny Herself is also or was, a naval reservist.
By Nicholas Bishop22 days ago in The Swamp