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Make America Great Again...

Give the mega-rich more money
Keep our borders closed
Don't worry, the poor will eat, “Honey”
Just not as well, I suppose

Take away their prescription drugs
Let them die and then
Give the Russians great big hugs
America will be great again

We don't need all these poor and sick
We don't want them here
Don't let them call me a ruthless prick
I've just played upon their fears

Big business ain't the fault you see
I know, I'm in those groups
The poor are blaming them and me
They're rallying the troops

I'm not paranoid the least, my friend
But they're bugging my business towers
They're intercepting what I send
To my friends in foreign powers

There's comics making sordid jokes
I'll sue their asses now
I don't enjoy their little pokes
I'll fire them somehow

I don't know why, I'm not inspired
To do the best I can
I just hope that I don't get fired
I'll make America great again

Style / type: 
Structured: Western
Review Request (Intensity): 
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Last few words: 
I've had this one finished for a while now. Not sure that it is finished though. Maybe I will do something more with it.
Editing stage: 

Comments

I have several similar poems of varying degrees, as do many who agree with you. Strange, I doubt there are any poems out there in praise of the orange Rigoletto.

But the truth is, like my outbursts of outrage, I'm not sure this is particularity good poetry. Of all the political works an example is George Orwell who broke though with Animal Farm and 1984. Similarly I think as poets we can't just tell it as it is, we need to find a way of co-opting the imagination.

I do very rarely comment on a poem with a poem, so allow me. I don't think it's particularly good, but I want your opinion of it anyway:

USA- UNDER STUPID AUTHORITY
(For the followers of Trumpius Maximus)

The stadium fills with drunk highwaymen
Whose thumbs are always pointed down;
They love the smell of bloody bullets.

How the huddled masses have spoken out
Revealing an allegiance to felonies
To fill the puerile firmament with discontent.

How they bicker that the siblings of slaves
Now populate their towns, and couple with their race-
While at the pulpits the noisy television priests
Use the language of the scrolls to define unnatural acts,
Snake charmers whose teeth are capped with gold,
Their sermons mortify the history of the nation.

How many sacrificed all for some abstract liberty,
That their kin would bow to a greedy buffoon?
Call them fascists, call them half-wit Christians;
Yet they pray to a wrathful god.

I most certainly understand the force that drives us to write such poems..but in the end we are preaching to the choir. You will find no poetry readers on Fox.

Eumolpus
I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing
than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance
ee cummings

your calling out the whole of our political estate, while I just took on the current person [in charge?]
I guess that as long as we are governed by human beings, we will be subject to their particular beliefs and agendas, no matter what they are. I just hope that there are no A.I.'s in our future government, for they may well decide that we are no longer capable of governing our selves, and that we need to be guided by them. With ourselves as dependent on the technology of the day, it wouldn't be hard to take over and rule as they/it saw fit. I wrote a poem describing that very scenario not too long ago, titled "Our Father's Keeper." In retrospect, I'm not sure that the title is so apt, but...
Anyway, thank you for the comments and the look at your poem. I like it! ~ Gee.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

author comment

make Americans great
Christmas is now
at our gate
and
you have not read me of late
make yourself equally great
O dear dear mate

to go and read you as soon as I leave here. I don't want to maybe miss a gem that you may have written. ~ Gee. Is that satirical enough for you?

.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

author comment

I compose a GEM
one in a million
LIKE a pearl from the deep sea
thanks for ur visit GEE

we've found a new solution
for our paranoiac fears,
a mind-blowing revolution
(one of uncle sol's ideas).

we're monitoring your coffins
to keep you on our terms.
our highfalutin boffins
strap cameras to your worms

so you may rot and they may feast
and we can live content
knowing you are truly fleeced
and we don't miss a cent.

very much enjoyed your work.
a man after me own heart, methinks.

g

for your read and comments. You seem to have a similar taste in sarcastic humor. ~ Geezer.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

author comment

and yet despite what Eumolpus said "You will find no poetry readers on Fox" there are poets on this very site who support the 'Russian Agent Orange', admittedly they are keeping pretty quiet at the moment, and I won't name them, to do so would shame them, which they thoroughly deserve, but give them a chance to come clean and admit they were wrong, even if it takes criminal charges of treason to make them admit it. Even then... oh, they'll build a conspiracy theory.

Some people just can't admit when they are wrong.
Elvis lives.
Vaccinations cause autism.
The moon landing was a hoax
and
Trump will make America great again.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

I am not ashamed
and shan't be shamed for my political bent

I wouldn't be on the "wrong" side if the "right" side were not such pussies

respectfully,

Al

.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

My god Jess
I just called far left liberals pussies (there is no center left any more)
that's it
what's with the Nazi shit
are you trying to make my argument for me

"me thinks the laddie protests too much"
are you trying to prove to everyone how much you are not a cunt?
chill brother

still with respect,

Al

.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

'

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

the central left is being held hostage by the far left Marxists, they are inextricably entwined now.
Any deviation from orthodoxy demands vilification
that sounds more "fascist" than anything I stand for

by the way, the only fringe group I might be considered a part of by the left, or right, is being ethnically Jewish. That, in its self, tells nothing about me.

one more thing...I am as apolitical as they come by nature
the left's hysteria over social and cultural values has nudged me a little to the right
so what...
I am now to be lumped in with Nazis, fascists. homophobes, misogynists,and racists?

you're fight is not with me

still trying to be respectful,

Al

.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

come on Jess. Get it all out. Spill your guts.
I think we get it. You don't like the U.S.
I don't care. I am an American
we don't typically give a shit what anyone else thinks
you may deem that a negative trait
we still don't give a shit.
so, respect aside, my American manners require a big "fuck you"

go kick rocks

you drew me into this brouhaha and I ain't scared of your volatility.

Al

I'm going to have to delete all these comments so I can put my badges back on.

[sighs] didn't think of that, did I?
Ah well it's nice to get it all out now and then,
cheers

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

always be true to thyself

paraphrasing Thomas Jefferson ( if I recall correctly)

"I have never thought of ending a friendship because of differing political or religious views"

my sentiments also, from this side of the table...your call

sincerely,

Al

I just get carried away sometimes.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

I can't really say what I think because I am one of the Managing Directors of Neopoet, so that appears in my signature and I seem to be representing Neopoet.
It was a huge relief taking the badge off and saying what I thought. It came out in such a rush that I don't even remember what I said.

Anyone, you are quite right, I've been friends with the right wing conservatives Rett and Stan for years.

We argue but we agree on basic kindness.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

to help in any part of Neopoet, would you?

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

Poetry is a broad subject, and many poets have been on the very wrong side of history-
Ezra Pound supported the Fascists, as did Roy Cambell..etc...But we are in uncharted seas now.

I suppose one way of interpreting my statement is there are no poets ON Fox, that crew of slick celebrities who are the propaganda machine of the Alt Reich. I suppose there are some viewers who are poets, but I would hope to be spared their evangelical fits and greeting card philosophy of life.
Obama had Maya Angelou. Trump had "the Mooch" If you caught that episode in this evolving freak show, at least we had a laugh.

Eumolpus
I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing
than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance
ee cummings

showed on the front, "I was looking for a card for you with just the right greeting when a born again guy came up and offered to help by quoting from the scriptures".
You open it up and it says
"So I shot him".

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

I guess I do deserve kudos for starting this donnybrook, but if no one minds, I will take my prize and scurry away to reflect on the state of the world today and how one might change it. Thank you all for making my morning! ~ Gee.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

author comment

Whereas the alt right is making itself seen radical fringe groups of and Neo-nazi's and the like,
what is the radical left? Whereas to be on the side of the radical right all you need is tribal instinct,
religious fervor, and the need to display superiority over others. So it's a lot of different level groups between Brightbart and the Nazi's. But what is the radical left? Talk about a small % of anarchist style Maoists or whatever...they are hardly around,seen or heard about. They are not a force in this country. It seems common sense of progressive ideas have become to some "radical" like universal health care (based on Romney's Mass. model..) free college, feeding the poor...The right has labeled all this "radical." Thank heavens they were not around at the time of the War of Independence!

Hegel had it right, history goes back and forth- progress and conservatism, like a pendulum of dialectic. But he did not notice the graph curve is up, on the side of progress. So in the 21st century we have more "free" nations, less slavery, more human compassion, some progress women, more universal organizations to attend to human and natural disaster...some progress. That is why we on the side of progress towards a more humane society feel that history is on our side...It is fact. Slavery was so cherished by the Greeks...

I do not totally agree with Al's statement about the cultural and social values being threatened by the far left. Social change I think is out of the hands of politics. Change is happening as a result of globalization, social media, and science, wouldn't you agree? I understand the desire of some to slow things down sometimes, but not when it comes to our sense of decency. Let people use the bathroom they like. Women should get equal pay. Forget the war on Christmas, there is no war.
It's not ok to say you're not Anti-Semitic because you have a "jew lawyer". Somethings are overdue in 2018. There needs to be a passionate response.

That said I understand Jess' passion, and respect it. But I'm quite sure Al was not holding a torch at Charlottesville. There is wide open spaces for common ground. Let us break bread there.

Eumolpus
I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing
than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance
ee cummings

On the other hand the only two Americans I've ever read who have a grasp of human goodness and potentiality are Noam Chomsky and Ursula K. Leguin.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

what the hell is human goodness, and how does one grasp it?
I know you read, and have read a lot, but anytime I read something I think is the cat's pajamas, I back up real quick...confirmation bias is very persuasive, but can be a cunning trickster.
some people think Chomsky is shit, and doesn't have a grasp of anything real
I don't read anymore so I can't really say much more other than the decision to stop reading was one of the best decisions of my life.
I had read enough at that point to understand that NO ONE really knows anything,
Chomsky's "grasp" is just an illusion
someone will come along, if they haven't already, and knock him off his high horse like all the rest.
stop being so absolute, you'll be happier
I am

this was not meant to be confrontational...but whatever
sometimes confrontation is fun so I don't run from it
(but keep the gloves on)

I will admit the only reason I replied to your comment is because my name was mentioned at the top...my ego sprang into action

Al

when you said "I don't read anymore".

Crikey, I'll never stop reading and learning, stuff I agree with and stuff that abhors me because yes, 'confirmational bias' is a cunning trickster, but not a fun one like Coyote, more a bog to get mired in.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

Is likely the result of people in different countries not really realizing how bad our choices were in this past election. A Lot of repub candidates were far better than Trump and all were better than hellary. But the media gave them scant coverage because they Wanted Trump to be nominated because they figured it would give hellary an easy win.
As to the poem it has easy unforced rhyme and rhythm which is better than most of my stuff(I know, that's not saying much lol(. And it remained coherent through out. Merry Christmas Geez

I don't think there is genuine democracy, the right lets the left in when they have gone too far, to avoid a peoples' uprising.
If the vote meant anything the corporations who own both sides would not let us have it.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

First off Merry Christmas.
Now as to democracy, America has never been a democracy. It is a representative republic. It was set up that way to avoid the "mob mentality" chaos which too often betrays any true democracy. And our system was set up to PURPOSELY be cumbersome because of the founders' fear of federal gov't take over as well as their wanting continuity of gov't. This is why confessional elections are staggered. No abrupt careening from left to right.
I'm not sure who said it but "The American system of gov't is the worst ever devised with the exception of all others" kinda says it all lol

“In your dread of dictators you established a state of society in which every ward boss is a dictator, every financier a dictator, every private employer a dictator, all with the livelihood of the workers at their mercy, and no public responsibility. And to symbolize this state of things, this defeat of all government, you have set up in New York Harbour a monstrous idol which you call Liberty. The only thing that remains to complete this monument is to put on its pedestal the inscription written by Dante on the gate of Hell ‘All hope abandon, ye who enter here.”

George Bernard Shaw, The Political Madhouse in America and Nearer Home

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

Somehow in my life I avoided American history, preferring world and ancient history. I am now reading the biography of the second president John Adams, one of the think tank that wrote the constitution, (and of course is known for this famous quote: “You will never be alone with a poet in your pocket.” ) (David McCullough's biography, winner of a Pulitzer)
His life and times is giving me a new historical perspective of the risks and unthinkable newness of the creation of America. The life and writings of Adams, not a slave owner and vehemently opposed to it, is giving me a renewed sense of hope in these very sad days. I do not think Adams or Jefferson would have agreed with Scribbler based on their writings and opinions.

But it was set up to challenge the inevitable possibility of a Trump to be elected. I do believe there will be several very tense moments in the coming year, riots and unrest, but I personally think sanity will prevail and he will be shamed and ousted. When the marching starts I'll be there, even with my bad arthritic knee, and thinking of Adams with a book of poems in my pocket.

Eumolpus
I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing
than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance
ee cummings

having a poet, or Kerouac or Leguin sicking enticingly out of your jacket pocket is a great way to get laid.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

I met my wife in a protest rally against the war in Vietnam. Besides the war, odds of meeting someone who believed in free love was high...as was the crowd.

Eumolpus
I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing
than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance
ee cummings

Of my contemporaries most went straight, some went junky and died, the rest are still unrepentant bohemians, bad, mad and dangerous to know.
(you know you have outlived your generation when the wife who you had not previously met makes him move to Tasmania to avoid your influence)

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

needs to be revamped. The premise of the Constitution is a grand idea and it should work, but we have become complacent in our ability to discern the goodness of the people we choose for office and their abilities to perform as we would like. Maybe you might say LAZY! We don't take the time to learn anything about them and vote the party vote. Why do I have to vote a party line in order to be able to vote? The first time I voted, I was told that I couldn't vote the way I did, which was; I voted for the ones that I thought would be the best from each party! I say, let's make the vote on an individual basis! No more party line votes! Vote individually for the ones you think would best represent your interests! And don't tell me that we can't do it, it's not technically feasible! We can put a man on the moon with the computers we have today, why can't we count individual votes? maybe I am naïve, to think that it could work....? Anyway, glad to see that my work has produced such a wealth of comment. Thank you all.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

author comment

You are not going to believe I have the temerity to suggest what I'm going to. It's a short book by a couple of Chilean Anarchists called "How To Read Donald Duck". Yes, I'm serious.
https://fadingtheaesthetic.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/33788991-how-to-r...

It's about how ideology is built in to American culture. For a very brief example you've noticed but never really thought about why no-one in Disney comics has parents. All cousins, uncles and aunts. That is about setting up obedience to arbitrary corporate power structures.

Yes, yes I know how tinfoil hat this sounds, I thought so in 1973 and it has become more true ever since. Check it out. It is a very intelligent, thought-provoking and, as it turns out, without ever intending to be, prophetic work.

Guy we are not lazy or bad, we are indoctrinated and have to question the subtext of every media we ever see, read or hear. It is a hard way to live. Any of you wonder why I go nuts sometimes? Ask me about any American show and I will show you examples of how it sets up arbitrary power structures, religious indoctrination, etc etc.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

I don't know how things work in yankee land but I almost always vote a split ticket and have no problem in doing so

They are painful and difficult to remove without an unsqeamish and loving partner.
I've never voted a split ticket in my life, and I do vote, at every opportunity.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

You would vote straight party line even if you Know one or more of the candidates is a vastly inferior candidate? That just sounds lazy to me.

for refusing to toe the party line in 1977.
No, I won't split my vote because none of them deserve it unless they are committed left..

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

this poem for possible revamping/revision and publication in the social media, I have come across the most phenomenal bits of information and discussion that I have ever been the catalyst for! I am so proud of that! It gives me comfort to know that there are so many people in the world, [not just the "States"] that feel and understand the trouble that we are in. The "human race" is now, constantly on the verge of destruction. Everywhere!
~ Geezer.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

author comment

I'm just sorry I had to delete so many of my comments.
As a managing director I'm not just the ratbag weirdelf, I also represent Neopoet and have to try and maintain some travesty of professionalism [chuckles].

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

Yes, it is too bad, but I know that you gave a good account of yourself, while that badge you wore was sitting on the desk in the sheriff's office. LoL. ~ Gee.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

author comment

Guess you'r gonna have to add a couple stanzas about the now proven lack of collusion by Trump with Russia and how there has been sworn testimony that Trump's campaign Was surveilled...........

I'll add some stuff alright! Maybe I'll have a whole new poem by the time that the WHOLE report comes out. [If ever]!

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

author comment
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