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.
Brief History of the Black Panther Party
The Black Panther Party was a civil rights organization whose primary focus was the protection of black neighborhoods from police brutality founded by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in October 1966. The group’s goal was condensed into a ten-point program to create areas of opportunity in human and civil rights, employment, housing, the inclusion of African American history in public schools, exclusion from military service, and equal justice within the court system. The group also published its own newspaper, self-titled The Black Panther, which first circulated in 1967 edited by Eldridge Cleaver. One of the groups early successes was the Sacramento California State Capital March, which protested the ban against public display of loaded weapons. This event attracted a lot of new membership.
By GAHMEIH THE VAGAHBOND9 years ago in The Swamp
Dear Donald, Never Again
President Trump, one of the worst parts of today's news is how many people probably tuned in for a moment, and then returned back to their regular Saturday morning television because you have numbed us to the reality of our country's current situation.
By Frank White9 years ago in The Swamp
Is This American?
I will just go right to it. It is perplexing and therefore ultimately a shame that Colin Kaepernick is not on an NFL roster right now. The Miami Dolphins recently "kicked the tires" on him before deciding to dump $10 million plus on a dude, Jay Cutler, that recently retired and essentially said, "I'm done." The Baltimore Ravens are still mulling over signing Colin Kaepernick or not as well. Reportedly, the head coach and general manager are game, but the owner has to "pray" about it. What? What is going on here? Why is this story even important to you even though you may have absolutely no interest in sports aside from going to that local sports bar that drafts that really good beer or makes that deliciously awesome craft burger you like? I am going to explain that here. Basically, this is a story about human rights and American hypocrisy in how we decide to "defend" those rights placed in a real time unfolding story that is happening RIGHT NOW in sports. So, here goes.
By Howard Thomas9 years ago in The Swamp
Selling Green
Let’s be completely and totally honest with ourselves here; the climate is changing. This is not really up for debate. Some may think that it is, but if you look at the data and even just use the eye test it is clear to see unless you’re sticking your head deep into the sand like an ostrich. 97% of experts agree on climate change, which begs the question: why is there so much opposition to it?
By James Mullen9 years ago in The Swamp
Dear Theresa
Dear Theresa, It's hard, I think I understand that. You've come so far. You've worked hard, you're intelligent and at some point, this was your dream. I respect that. I want my dreams to come true too. I think we have that in common and that's important.
By Triple Decker Sandwich9 years ago in The Swamp
Here Comes The Smear Campaign Against Al Gore
Now that former Vice President Al Gore has released his new film, AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER, we can all expect, and are already seeing, an all-out attack on his character and on global warming science. The fossil fuel industry is regurgitating old stories, such as the story recently posted by "Salon.com" that Al Gore's house uses 34 times the amount of electricity than the average American, and so this supposedly makes him out to be a huge hypocrite. Of course, Al Gore's house is not the size of the average American's home, and is powered by solar panels that were upgraded in response to criticism that came after the release of the first INCONVENIENT TRUTH, not to mention that this is an ancient attempt to smear the former Vice President that was used over a decade ago after the first film was released.
By Scott Bowen9 years ago in The Swamp
Donald Trump: Despicable and Deplorable
I’m gonna blow. We have this thing called social media that let’s you sound off whenever something rubs you the wrong way. Hello, Donald Trump. But the election taught me how impulsive posts only elevates anger, alienates without resolving anything and makes Facebook fertile ground for unfriending. So my responses have been to encourage people to get involved rather than seething with each unsettling factoid. But after seven months, I just have to vent.
By Rich Monetti9 years ago in The Swamp
Dear Cis Allies
I'd like to start by saying thank you. We see you, we appreciate you, and now more than ever we need you. However, there are some things that we need to discuss. Things that, to you, seem innocent. Things that, for us, are a painful reminder that society still places us in the category of "other."
By Stella Lane9 years ago in The Swamp
From My Front Porch
Poverty. We all know it's out there but how many people really know and understand what it is and what it's like? According to a 2015 Census report poverty affects approximately 43 million Americans that's about 1 in 7 people. An additional 19 million live in deep poverty, making less than 50% of poverty level income annually. So what exactly is poverty level income? Well according to that same 2015 report the federal poverty level for the continental US is as follows:
By Claudia Sanders9 years ago in The Swamp
Green Politics Must Evolve, Quickly
Green politics, associated not only with protecting our environment and our planet but also with peace and alternative lifestyles, is still not too popular among the general public. In modern history and in an increasingly competitive political arena, no Green Party has managed to finish first once in a nation's parliamentary election and lead the government at national level. This is in spite of the German state of Baden-Wurttenberg managing to elect Winifred Kretschmann in 2012 and again in 2016 as the first Green Party provincial Minister-President of a German province, and also despite increasing concern for environmental issues among the general population.
By Alan Borgars9 years ago in The Swamp
