voting

Postmortems of voting woes, disenfranchisement, and how countries around the world elect government officials.

President Attacks Rather than Addresses Congress in First State of the Union
February 26th (Washington, D.C.) – A few short weeks after making a request to do so, the President was able to appear before a joint-session of Congress to give a State of the Union address. However, this was a speech unlike any given since becoming formally known by that name in 1947—which coincidently was the first time the speech was broadcast on television. The last President to have a State of the Union during their first year in office was John F. Kennedy—although his successor Lyndon B. Johnson had one after Kennedy was assassinated and Gerald Ford also had one when Richard Nixon resigned. However, according to a Congressional Research Service report (https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44770.pdf) on the history of the State of the Union:
By J.P. Prag3 years ago in The Swamp
What Was in the Latest Set of Executive Orders?
February 9th (Washington, D.C.) – The President has delivered a new set of Executive Orders for numerous federal departments and agencies.
By J.P. Prag3 years ago in The Swamp
Can Peter Obi Make History?
The former Governor of Anambra State is known to be one of the first persons in the Nigerian system who has successfully used the court to reclaim his rightful mandate stolen by some "powerful" personalities in the society in the previous election which he partook in. In April 2022, he left the People's Democractic party for the Labour party where he contested in the primary election of the latter party and won as the party's presidential candidate. It was widely viewed by his opponents that he wouldn't make much difference in the election as he would barely get votes in the election as most of his loyalists are few young persons who are allegedly relating majorly in a room and on twitter; they are regarded as completely inconsequential in changing the narrative of the election.
By Oluwasegun Samuel Owolabi3 years ago in The Swamp
Nadine Dorrie Sinister Forces Controversy
Nadine Dorries, a prominent British politician and Member of Parliament (MP), recently made controversial statements regarding what she referred to as "sinister forces" operating within society. Dorries, known for her conservative views, expressed concerns about certain ideologies and movements that she believes pose a threat to the values and stability of the country. Her remarks have sparked both support and criticism, igniting a debate on the nature of these alleged "sinister forces."
By ONYIGOD WRITES3 years ago in The Swamp
Kerala High Court Rules Nudity Should Not Be Equated with Sex: Rehana Fathima Acquitted in Controversial Case. Content Warning.
In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has emphasized the importance of granting autonomy over one's body and denounced the denial of this right to women. The court discharged Rehana Fathima, a prominent women's rights activist who was facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), Juvenile Justice, and Information Technology Acts. Fathima had been accused of circulating a video in which she posed semi-nude while allowing her minor children to paint on her body.
By M. A. Alam3 years ago in The Swamp
On a "Quiet" Day, President Kicks out Reporters and Toddlers, Invites in Sheep
January 22nd (Washington, D.C.) – Three days after taking the Oath of Office, the new President of the United States finally entered the Oval Office for the first time and then spent an entire day at work in the White House.
By J.P. Prag3 years ago in The Swamp
Escalating Tensions: Chinese Warship's Unsafe Encounter with US Vessel in Taiwan Strait, as Russia's Actions Fail to Affect China's Taiwan Intentions
In a recent incident, a Chinese warship came dangerously close to colliding with a US vessel in the Taiwan Strait. On June 3, the USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and the HMCS Montreal (FFH 336) were conducting a routine transit when the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)) LUYANG III DDG 132 (PRC LY 132) executed unsafe maneuvers near the USS Chung-Hoon. The Chinese warship violated maritime rules by getting as close as 150 yards (137 meters), prompting the US vessel to slow down and alter its course to avoid a collision. This incident follows another concerning event in late May when a Chinese J-16 fighter jet performed an unnecessarily aggressive maneuver while intercepting a US RC-135 aircraft over the South China Sea.
By M. A. Alam3 years ago in The Swamp
India's Prospects in Joining NATO-Plus. Content Warning.
The idea of India joining the NATO-Plus framework, an extended security arrangement including NATO and its treaty allies, has gained traction in American policymaking circles. This proposal aims to enhance global defense cooperation and counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. However, before India embarks on such a path, it is crucial to examine the implications and consider the country's unique positioning and aspirations.
By Suganthan3 years ago in The Swamp
Do What You Want
"Do what you must, do all you can, break all the fucking rules, and go to hell with Superman..." --Bad Religion People believe that nihilism is a destructive, pointless philosophical toilet bowl, wherein people who "just don't give a fuck" just...don't give a fuck. Actually, it's quite liberating. Once you realize the futility of earthly endeavors, the relatively brief period in this world in which you have to live and shine and define yourself, and deceive yourself into believing that, ultimately, anything you do here will matter after they shuffle you under the earth--an inexorable eventuality for every man and woman walking the face of the planet -- liberates you, somehow. It frees you from the petty, self-deceptive boxes you're commanded to choose to live in (but not with too much choice, really; there is only an alternative between Acceptable "A" and equally Acceptable "B") by a society that will otherwise rubber-stamp you as one of the "bad people." But even the "good people" get shoveled under, brought down by the relentless march of time.
By Tom Baker3 years ago in The Swamp
Nigeria politics
Chapter 1: Nigeria at Independence: Foundations of a Political Landscape Chapter 2: Pre- and Post-Colonial Political Movements: Shaping Nigerian Politics
By TOWOLAWI TUNDE3 years ago in The Swamp
Brazil
Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest country in the world by area. It is located in the tropics, and its climate is hot and humid. The country has a population of over 210 million people, making it the fifth most populous country in the world. Brazil is a federal republic, and its capital is Brasília.
By Nouman Yousaf3 years ago in The Swamp
Full Citizenship Extended to American "Nationals"
January 20th (Pago Pago, American Samoa) – “While the territories of the United States debate whether they wish to be a State or not,” the President demurred, “I, unfortunately, cannot grant them the full Constitutional rights to which they are entitled due to the Supreme Court finding again and again that only some rights apply to the outlying possessions of the United States.”
By J.P. Prag3 years ago in The Swamp