

The Swamp
The Swamp examines the crazy but true world of Politics. Discover its history, corruption, politicians, activists, and more.
Stats
Stories
- 16,049
Creators
- 4,328
Top Stories
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. Crawford4 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 Wilson4 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.
The Strait of Hormuz
Introduction The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important maritime passages in the world. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and eventually the Arabian Sea. Because it is the main route for oil exports from the Gulf region, millions of barrels of oil pass through it every day. This makes the strait a vital artery for global energy supplies and international trade.
By shaoor afridiabout 3 hours ago in The Swamp
Creators We’re Loving
The creative faces behind your favorite stories.
Timothy A Rowland
441 published stories
Atomic Historian
533 published stories
Stephanie Van Orman
114 published stories
Jeff Olen
42 published stories
Mark Wesley Pritchard
413 published stories
S. A. Crawford
220 published stories
Iris Harris
129 published stories
Autumn Stew
62 published stories
Marlena Guzowski
42 published stories
Lana V Lynx
572 published stories
Hayden Searcy
14 published stories
Paul Levinson
744 published stories




















