The Swamp
The Swamp examines the crazy but true world of Politics. Discover its history, corruption, politicians, activists, and more.
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Stories in The Swamp that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
The Forsyth House Fire
Since 1851, Forsyth House has stood on the corner of Union Street and Gordon Street in the heart of Glasgow. Its iconic, or was... because on Sunday 8th of March, 2026, a fire broke out in a small, seemingly un-named shop in the building and tore all that history down. As I write, the rubble is still unsettled and the street is still blocked off. Central Station is quiet on the upper level, and around 30 small businesses have quite literally gone up in smoke.
By S. A. Crawford3 days ago in The Swamp
Parallel Protests
I haven't written for quite some time, but I have A LOT of thoughts about yesterday's protest rally against our government's involvement and complicity in America's war on Iran, on the harbourside of my home city Bristol, and I need to put them somewhere. My gorgeous girlfriend is always a loving and listening ear and sharing it all with her will always be a healthy and happy way of processing the mental and emotional weight, but getting it straight in my brain to share means writing it all down in straight lines, so, here we are and thanks for being here.
By Steph Cole13 days ago in The Swamp
A Gathering of Evil Bosses
“I’m the queen of chin jutting while I smooth my hair, attacking, insulting, and deflecting to protect my appointer.” “Oh, please, Blondi, my hair is curled, highlighted, and longer than yours. I feature television commercials telling immigrants that we will give them a free plane ride home, and if they voluntarily turn themselves in, they will be allowed to legally apply for re-entry. It runs everywhere, and I look good in it! You can’t compete because of your blond hair. Mine is nicer, and my lips are prettier than yours.”
By Andrea Corwin 26 days ago in The Swamp
The Saddest Thing - The Billionaires Who Rule America Aren't Even Enjoying Themselves
This single post says more about our ruling class than a thousand policy papers. The saddest thing about today's system is that the men robbing the rest of us - sabotaging our economic prospects, our pensions, our access to affordable healthcare - are not even happy.
By Scott Christenson🌴about a month ago in The Swamp
Why Black History Matters in America?
The United States of America is celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2026. I'm proud to be an American and as someone who was born here, I wouldn't imagine myself living anywhere else. This is a country where opportunities are possible. Where anyone can be successful in anything they desire to do. Equality, community, and togetherness are the backbones of what America is and should be about. However, we have an administration who wants to erase and disregard those who have made positive, meaningful impacts in our country, specifically Black figures, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. President Trump and his administration have been constantly complaining and fighting against what they call the "Woke agenda". They use this excuse as a distraction from other issues they refuse to address, such as the high cost of living, climate change, and inflation. That equality is dividing America, when in reality, it's bringing us together. Being woke is not tied to a specific political party. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you can still care about other people and their plights. Compassion and empathy for others isn't tied to a political party, either. We were taught as children to treat others the way we want to be treated and not judge others because they're different from us. Caring about others isn't a personal attack on your beliefs. It doesn't make you any less of a person. People who are easily offended over African American figures, past or present, or anything related to it, are grasping at straws. Current and future generations need to know who people like Harriet Tubman and Shirley Chisholm were, especially in the classroom. Black History is part of American History. It should be recognized, not hidden or forgotten. Besides, you can't shield children from everything, just because your feelings are easily hurt.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a month ago in The Swamp
Wack Friday
Black Friday. We all obviously know what it is. As a kid, I'd see horror stories of people getting trampled to death in the doors of shopping centers. I didn't even understand what Black Friday was at the time or why everyone went so crazy about it. I didn't grow up with cable TV, so I really didn't have an insane amount of access to news or anything. The little I did see on the matter was enough to terrify me. My tiny child eyes sincerely thought these people were criminals robbing stores... and it was allowed. If the Purge was real and had already come out in the early 90's of my childhood, I would have thought Black Friday was the day it took place.
By Sara Wilson3 months ago in The Swamp
Dear Author
Today I read a Dear Abby column that really bugged me. It was about a woman whose best friend of thirty years abruptly stopped speaking to her because of differing political beliefs. They supported opposing parties, and her friend ended their relationship over it. The writer was hurt, but she hoped that there would be a way to work things out. When the friend had a grandchild, she wrote her a text congratulating her. Her friend responded with a "Who's this?" Our writer was ravaged and wrote the Dear Abby letter, and Abby's response was rather lacking.
By Stephanie Van Orman4 months ago in The Swamp
Collections
Themed story collections curated by the Vocal moderators.
Dear Donald
Open letters to the President of the United States from the people of the world. Submit your own grievances, praises, and suggestions through Vocal today.
Political Humor
Where political gaffes become comedy fodder.
Dear Theresa
Open letters to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; do it like they do on Downing Street.
Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in The Swamp.
Citizens and residents urged to report drones and missiles as regional tensions heighten. AI-Generated.
Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step toward strengthening national security by launching a new digital service that allows citizens and residents to report suspicious aerial activity through the widely used Tawakkalna application. The initiative, announced by the Saudi Ministry of Defense, aims to involve the public in identifying potential aerial threats such as drones or missiles while improving response times for authorities across the Kingdom. The service comes at a time of growing regional tensions in the Gulf, with several countries reporting drone and missile attacks linked to escalating conflict dynamics in the Middle East. Saudi officials say the new reporting feature represents an important step in harnessing modern technology to strengthen the country’s defensive readiness while also building closer cooperation between the public and national security institutions. A New Layer of Civilian Participation The new feature integrated into Tawakkalna allows users to submit reports if they observe unusual objects in the sky. These may include unmanned aerial vehicles, unidentified drones, or suspected missile activity. Once a report is submitted, the information is automatically forwarded to relevant defense authorities for verification and potential action. According to defense officials, the system is designed to ensure that critical information reaches command centers quickly, allowing rapid analysis and response when necessary. Authorities emphasize that the feature does not replace official surveillance systems but instead complements existing air-defense capabilities. Spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki explained that the initiative strengthens cooperation between civilians and the armed forces. He described it as a “qualitative leap” in public engagement with national security, highlighting the importance of vigilance among residents and citizens. Saudi officials also reassured the public that the country’s armed forces already possess advanced systems to intercept aerial threats. However, the additional layer of citizen reporting can help authorities detect suspicious activity earlier, particularly in areas where military monitoring may not immediately identify smaller objects such as commercial drones. Regional Security Context The introduction of the reporting service comes amid heightened security concerns across the Gulf region. Recent weeks have seen a series of drone and missile incidents affecting multiple countries, raising alarm among governments and defense planners. Saudi Arabia has reportedly intercepted numerous aerial threats during this period, including drones and ballistic missiles targeting strategic areas. Neighboring states have experienced similar attacks, leading to increased vigilance throughout the region. Defense analysts say the growing use of drones in modern conflicts has forced governments to rethink how they detect and respond to aerial threats. Small unmanned aircraft can sometimes evade traditional radar systems or operate at low altitudes, making early identification more difficult. By allowing citizens to report suspicious sightings, Saudi authorities hope to create an additional detection network across populated areas. Experts note that similar systems have been implemented in other parts of the world during times of heightened security risk. Technology and National Security The Tawakkalna application, originally developed as a digital platform for health and public services, has evolved into a comprehensive government services hub used by millions of residents in Saudi Arabia. Integrating security reporting into the app reflects the Kingdom’s broader strategy of using digital tools to enhance public services and safety. Officials believe the widespread adoption of the app makes it an ideal platform for security-related communication. Most residents already use the application regularly, allowing authorities to quickly disseminate information or receive reports without requiring additional systems. The defense ministry stressed that reports submitted through the service will be evaluated carefully before any operational response is initiated. This approach is intended to prevent unnecessary alarm while ensuring that credible threats are addressed quickly. Public Awareness and Responsibility Saudi officials have urged residents to remain calm and responsible when using the reporting feature. Authorities emphasize that the system should only be used when individuals genuinely believe they have witnessed suspicious aerial activity. False reports or misuse of the system could divert resources away from legitimate threats, officials warned. At the same time, authorities encouraged people to stay aware of their surroundings and cooperate with national security efforts. Defense experts say public participation can significantly improve situational awareness during times of regional tension. In many cases, civilians are the first to notice unusual aerial activity, particularly in urban or residential areas. Looking Ahead The launch of the aerial sightings reporting feature reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to strengthen national defense and crisis preparedness through technology and community engagement. As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve across the Middle East, governments are increasingly turning to digital platforms and citizen cooperation to enhance security. The Tawakkalna initiative illustrates how technology can bridge the gap between official defense systems and public awareness. For Saudi Arabia, the new service represents not only a security measure but also a signal that safeguarding the nation is a shared responsibility. By involving citizens and residents directly in the reporting process, authorities hope to create a more resilient system capable of responding quickly to emerging threats in an increasingly complex security environment.
By Fiaz Ahmed about 3 hours ago in The Swamp
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