December 18, 2018--The Swamp Creature

When the swamp is mention these days, the swamp itself, metaphorically, is claimed to be the habitat of predatory people (mainly the political class and the media) who are engaged in evil practices. 

Denizens of the swamp are described as pestilential and thus dangerous. This fictive swamp thus needs to be drained as if it were a toxic dump while, ironically, actual toxic waste sites, Super Fund sites, by Trump and his administration are no longer perceived to be threats to the environment.

They have given swamps an undeserved bad reputation.

Focused as I tend to be on the politics of the figurative swamp referred to by Trump and his allies, I have lost sight of what characterizes a real swamp.

So here, from National Geographic, is what a swamp actually is--

Because the young of many marine animals find food and shelter in swamps, these wetlands are sometimes called the nurseries of the ocean. Many ocean species enter coastal wetlands to spawn. Fish swim into salt marshes to lay their eggs. When the eggs hatch, the young find food and some protection in swamp grasses or among tree roots. Other species spawn in the ocean, and the young swim into the wetlands and live there until they mature.

Swamps are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth. They act like giant sponges or reservoirs. When heavy rains cause flooding, swamps and other wetlands absorb excess water, moderating the effects of flooding. Swamps also protect coastal areas from storm surges that can wash away fragile coastline. Saltwater swamps and tidal salt marshes help anchor coastal soil and sand. 

Swamp ecosystems also act as natural water treatment plants, filtering wastes and purifying water. When excess nitrogen and other chemicals wash into swamps, vegetation there absorb and use the chemicals. 

So, by definition, swamps are essential to life on our planet.

About one thing, though, Trump is right--there are many bad operatives in the government and the nation overall. But the most essential truth for the man who has sullied the notion of swamp as he has so many other things vital to life--is that if there is something that needs draining it is him and his corrupt henchmen.