Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in The Swamp.
Conflicts of the Father
As of 2017, conflict of interest rules apparently don’t apply legally to the Office of the President of the United States. Though, with that being said, it does not outrightly remove the issue from the slate entirely either. The concept exists not solely for the purpose of keeping an officeholder from profiting from his or her office: it exists to protect the rest of us from having that officeholder’s decisions influenced by his or her business interests, rather than by (in this case) the national interest. Someone with the business interests Trump has — unless he divests (which he seems unwilling to do: he’s been extremely opaque about his personal finances from the start) — is, essentially, operating on the honor system, and anyone who relies on that might well consider buying some swampland (or a casino) from Trump. (The idea that if someone is very rich, he is therefore incorruptible, relies on the notion that he is no longer interested in making money. Trump’s resistance to divestiture suggests that for him, this is not the case. Rather tellingly, the only entity Trump has pledged to dissolve to date is his nonprofit foundation.)
By Dre Joseph9 years ago in The Swamp
Stalin's American Spies
There is an old saying that truth is often stranger than fiction. Works of non-fiction can often prove that to be the case, revealing sometimes hidden or forgotten stories from our history. The Cold War, that epic conflict of ideologies fought largely in the shadows and still influencing the world we live in today, is just such an example. While so many great fictional spy stories were inspired by it ranging from Ian Fleming's James Bond novels to John le Carré's George Smiley, the real world of Cold War espionage can be just as fascinating as any thriller. The non-fiction work The Haunted Wood proves that to be the case with its exploration of the Americans who spied for the Russians in the 1930s and 1940s.
By Matthew Kresal9 years ago in The Swamp
The Apprentice President
In years past the world looked to the United States for true leadership in times of crisis. Unfortunately, ever since Donald Trump took office he has managed to obliterate any progress past Administrations have made in securing America's place as the one nation that embodies the willingness to come to the rescue in troubled times. The internal conflicts created by Trump himself has only accelerated Americas surrendering of our leadership role in international affairs.
By Dr. Williams9 years ago in The Swamp
'The Mooch' Is Out—But Why Was He In?
Queen jokes aside, why was Anthony Scaramucci even brought in as communications director? Was he even vetted at all? For starters, consider that Scaramucci was a man who took great pride in being known as "The Mooch." He was telegenic, with a ready smile and an easy mode of talking—things which in many ways former press secretary Sean Spicer lacked. However, even with a fair bit of charm on screen, "The Mooch" was apparently something of the sleaze that his nickname might imply.
By Christina St-Jean9 years ago in The Swamp
How Do Democracies Become Dictatorships?
It's often been said that those who do not fight for freedom should expect to stop having it. In many points throughout history, democracies stopped being democratic — and started being the grounds that helped dictators rise to power.
By Cato Conroy9 years ago in The Swamp
Letter to Megyn Kelly
Right now I'm missing Melissa Harris Perry. On her show she would read a letter she wrote, usually to someone who would not want to hear what she had to say. So in that spirit, I wrote a letter. Since I don't know where to send it, I'm just going to float it out into cyberspace and let it go where it may. Hopefully, it will reach the intended destination.
By F.D. Brake9 years ago in The Swamp
Dear Mr. Trump, You've Made America Self-Reflect
Dear Mr. Trump, It has been an interesting few years in American politics. It is clear that America is going through some tough growth and change, and that has been stressful, but very gratifying to watch. Your rise to power has been fast, and very surprising. While some people are quick to criticize this, I want to note that it is very important. You have been chosen by the American people, at a time when the country is divided. And their choice of you, as President, has taught us all a little more about our neighbors.
By Miranda O'Conner9 years ago in The Swamp
I Gotta Pee
If you've been following social media and the news lately, I'm pretty sure you've heard about the big issue on which bathroom transgender people should be allowed to use. You have some people who are pro gay rights and support using the room which matches their gender identity, while others who strongly oppose the move for various reasons. I see this not as a social issue regarding rights to either party but as a ploy to stir controversy and trigger an emotional response.
By Wakai Safin9 years ago in The Swamp
