Perspective

I am one of the most privileged people I know. I have the privilege of looking at the election’s issues in the abstract; issues are often abstract to people in my fortunate position. No one is systematically killing people who look like me; cops’ eyes glide right off of me as I shop; my permanent birth control was simple and covered by insurance; nobody protests anything I do. It’s like I’m invisible–no, it’s like I’m protected by an invisible bodyguard of privilege. [Read more…]

“Mitch McConnell STFU” (Roy Zimmerman)

I know a thing or two about writing a lot of topical rhyming verse on deadline. Roy Zimmerman is taking it a step further and adding music; his newsletter today (what? You aren’t already receiving it? Sign up!) announces the beginnings of a Song of the Week for each week between now and the general election–34 new songs, 34 new videos by November 8! Below the fold, his first one, taking a quick look at how the GOP judiciary committee is “letting the people decide”. [Read more…]

Trump’s Plan

Republican stalwarts won’t mention “Convention”
Without saying prayers—at least knocking on wood—
It isn’t supposed to be “open”; they’re hopin’
The voters eliminate Trump, as they should
The problem is, Trump’s an attraction—some fraction
Of GOP voters think Trump is the GOAT
In races where Trump has contested, he’s bested
The party elites (when they’ve split up the vote) [Read more…]

Scalia, Jack Bauer, and Torture

There’s a bomb going off in an hour—Jack Bauer
Must find and disarm it, before we all die
And just ere the clock reaches zero, our hero
Comes through, thanks to torture! And so goes the lie.
In truth, this scenario never—not ever—
Describes what we do, or describes what we find!
The truth stands in stark contradiction to fiction
Excepting, of course, in Scalia’s cold mind. [Read more…]

Questions For Tonight’s Democratic Debate

As I sit here, just off the coast of Maine, I see politicians, minions, reporters and spin-doctors scurrying around the state of New Hampshire, kissing babies, shaking hands, eating lobster rolls and pancakes, and generally tying up traffic. Having already asked questions of the republicans, I now set my sights on the democrats, and a little bit more seriously (and not in verse, sorry). [Read more…]