Illusion of Choice
A voter craves their representation,
Someone who can embody their nation
As they believe it should be. They make pleas
That push toward greater equalities,
Calling for consensus sympathies—
To build our empathetic relations.
A voter wants to be their creation,
A catalyst for governed salvation.
They want to think they can come to appease
The public—which is always ill at ease.
They disregard their lack of expertise
And force opinions by accusation.
Of course, the other side states the same thing,
And politics descend into nonsense.
It becomes a game of waspy offense—
Two sides aggressive for the deepest sting.
Victors will change nothing—left or right wing.
If only to keep voters in suspense.
They argue again in vapid pretense,
So what does our illusion of choice bring?
poem by Tim Stensloff
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Limited Choice
All politicians preen and pose.
They promise forthright honesty.
We aren’t the fools that they suppose
because we very clearly see.
That all the promises they make.
Examined closely make no sense,
they all repeat the same mistake.
Assume the public has no sense.
Your vote is all they want from you
For that they lie with practised ease.
And once elected they will do
very little which will please.
The general public as a whole.
For once aboard the gravy train
They have achieved their only goal
and treat the voters with disdain.
So think before you cast your vote
scrutinise them carefully.
Don’t be afraid to rock the boat
and rouse yourselves from apathy.
The voting system is unfair
and does not represent the views
of every voter everywhere.
We are denied the right to choose.
The form of government we need.
That’s why the country’s in a mess.
Enslaved by some out dated creed
which renders many votes worthless.
The systems rotten to the core
relies on public apathy.
We get what we deserve no more.
It’s sad but true apparently.
It needs a drastic overhaul
there is no sign that it will get.
Your vote is worth nothing at all
That is the only certain bet.
10-May-08
http: //blog.myspace.poeticpiers
poem by Ivor Or Ivor.e Hogg
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Campaigning in Wyoming is politics at its most retail level. It's done one voter at a time.
quote by Mary Cheney
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Your every voter, as surely as your chief magistrate, exercises a public trust.
quote by Grover Cleveland
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Well, the tough thing for them is that the Republican primary is pretty far over to the right, just as the Democratic primary is further over to the left than the average voter in each party.
quote by Charles Schumer
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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A Secret Message To Our Politicians
Why can’t we have proportional representation at the polls?
Do our politicians look down from above on us poor souls?
In first past the post systems, the several others always loose,
The system is so badly bent that no one needs an excuse.
How do we get propositions, recalls and referendums?
Should I send my opposition politician a memorandum?
Can politicians ignore the needs of the people forever?
Are all attempts and pleas for change a useless endeavour?
How do we get an euthanasia pill or death with dignity?
Are these decisions ruled by some high religious deity?
Could we have set-date elections and plebiscites please?
Should I just shut up because of my lack of expertise?
Jan 29th,2011
poem by James Bredin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Nation awakes
Total seizure and encroachment of human rights
Without shedding blood or offering fights
Easy walk over under the disguise
Of parliament supremacy and voter’s franchise
Once a leader always a leader
Public failed to read them as reader
All laws and rules meant for public
That has been impetrated as republic
Murderers and mafias can attack at will
Parliament is refuge for thieves to kill
Two birds with one stones
Protection on one side and seat as throne
Without shedding blood or offering fights
Easy walk over under the disguise
Of parliament supremacy and voter’s franchise
Weak judiciary amounting delay in justice
Kept strength at low and not fulfilling the promises
Natural wealth is stolen in day light
Where are the human rights activists to fight?
Beggars rule the national front
Daily corruption comes to light and confront
Right minded people think about real democracy
Who has the real power in hand with supremacy?
Can we not recall people’s representatives?
Can we not decide the fate of natives?
Why wolves are allowed free roam in the streets?
Why can we not amend the rules for expectations to meet?
It is firm resolve not to allow total eclipse
It will meet stiff resistance and response
No one can take it granted where people rule
Not a single or powerful man must try to make them fool
It is awareness and aspirations
Where so many things pose questions
Nation can not progress with empty belly
All measures may stand useless and silly
Poor must find place and say
They can’t be denied rights and pushed away
Entire nation may burn
And turn in rubbles and ruins
poem by Hasmukh Amathalal
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Nigeria, Good People, Great Nation
Nigeria good people
Together we build a great nation
No doubt we are
The world even believes that
A change of mindset
Can bring us to great sunset
A sunset and a new dawn
Of a great Nigeria with good people
You can do something
To make this nation great
Have a change of mindset
Do that thing, good people
Goal getter for greater Nigeria
Good people we are
Great Nation, good people
poem by Ehimika Ehimigbai
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The great thing about democracy is that it gives every voter a chance to do something stupid.
quote by Art Spander
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Revolution Calling
For a price Id do about anything
Except pull the trigger
For that Id need a pretty good cause
Then I heard of dr. x
The man with the cure
Just watch the television
Yeah, youll see theres something going on
Got no love for politicians
Or that crazy scene in d.c.
Its just a power mad town
But the time is ripe for changes
Theres a growing feeling
That taking a chance on a new kind of vision is due
I used to trust the media
To tell me the truth, tell us the truth
But now Ive seen the payoffs
Everywhere I look
Who do you trust when everyones a crook?
Revolution calling
Revolution calling
Revolution calling you
[theres a] revolution calling
Revolution calling
Gotta make a change
Gotta push, gotta push it on through
Im tired of all this bullshit
They keep selling me on t.v.
About the communist plan
And all the shady preachers
Begging for my cash
Swiss bank accounts while giving their
Secretaries the slam
Theyre all in penthouse now
Or playboy magazine, million dollar stories to tell
I guess warhol wasnt wrong
Fame fifteen minutes long
Everyones using everybody, making the sale
I used to think
That only americas way, way was right
But now the holy dollar rules everybodys lives
Gotta make a million doesnt matter who dies
Revolution calling
Revolution calling
Revolution calling you
[theres a] revolution calling
Revolution calling
Gotta make a change
Gotta push, gotta push it on through
I used to trust the media
To tell me the truth, tell us the truth
But now Ive seen the payoffs
Everywhere I look
Who do you trust when everyones a crook?
Revolution calling
Revolution calling
Revolution calling you
[theres a] revolution calling
Revolution calling
Gotta make a change
Gotta push, gotta push it on through
song performed by by Queensryche
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Macbreath
A Tragedy as Played at Ryde**
Macbreath Mr Henley
Macpuff Mr Terry
The Ghost
ACT I
TIME: The day before the election
SCENE: A Drummoyne tram running past a lunatic asylum.
All present are Reform Leaguers and supporters of Macbreath.
They seat themselves in the compartment.
MACBREATH: Here, I'll sit in the midst.
Be large in mirth. Anon we'll all be fitted
With Parliamentary seats.
(Voter approaches the door.)
There's blood upon thy face.
VOTER: 'Tis Thompsons's, then.
MACBREATH: Is he thrown out? How neatly we beguiled
The guileless Thompson. Did he sign a pledge agreeing to retire?
VOTER: Aye, that he did.
MACBREATH: Not so did I!
Not on the doubtful hazard of a vote
By Ryde electors, cherry-pickers, oafs,
That drive their market carts at dread of night
And sleep all day. Not on the jaundiced choice
Of folks who daily run their half a mile
Just after breakfast, when the steamer hoots
Her warning to the laggard, not on these
Relied Macbreath, for if these rustics' choice
Had fall'n on Thompson, I should still have claimed
A conference. But hold! Is Thompson out?
VOTER: My lord, his name is mud. That I did for him
I paid my shilling and I cast my vote.
MACBREATH: Thou art the best of all the shilling voters.
Prithee, be near me on election day
To see me smite Macpuff, and now we shan't
Be long,
(Ghost of Thompson appears.)
What's this? A vision!
Thou canst not say I did it! Never shake
Thy gory locks at me. Run for some other seat,
Let the woods hide thee. Prithee, chase thyself!
(The ghost of Thompson disappears, and Macbreath revives himself
with a great effort.)
Leaguers all,
Mine own especial comrades of Reform,
All amateurs and no professionals,
So many worthy candidates I see,
Alas that there are only ninety seats.
Still, let us take them all, and Joe Carruthers,
Ashton, and Jimmy Hogue, and all the rest,
Will have to look for work! Oh, joyous day,
To-morrow's poll will make me M.L.A.
ACT II
TIME: Election day.
SCENE: Macbreath's committee rooms.
MACBREATH: Bring me no more reports: let them all fly;
Till Labour's platform to Kyabram come
I cannot taint with fear. How go the votes?
Enter first voter
FIRST VOTER: May it please my Lord,
The cherry-pickers' vote is two to one
Towards Macpuff: and all our voters say
The ghost of Thompson sits in every booth,
And talks of pledges.
MACBREATH: What a polished liar!
And yet the dead can vote! (Strikes him.)
What if it should be!
(Ghost of Thompson appears to him suddenly.)
GHOST: The Pledge! The Pledge!
MACBREATH: I say I never signed the gory pledge.
(Ghost disappears. Enter a Messenger.)
Thou com'st to use thy tongue. Thy story quickly!
MESSENGER: Gracious, my Lord,
I should report that which I know I saw,
But know not how to do it.
MACBREATH: Well! say, on!
MESSENGER: As I did stand my watch in Parliament
I saw the Labour platform come across
And join Kyabram, Loans were overthrown,
The numbers were reduced, extravagance
Is put an end to by McGowan's vote.
MACBREATH: The devil damn thee black, thou cream-faced loon!
Where got'st thou this fish yarn?
MESSENGER: There's nearly forty,
MACBREATH: Thieves, fool?
MESSENGER: No, members, will be frozen out of work!
MACBREATH: Aye, runs the story so! Well, well, 'tis sudden!
These are the uses of the politician,
A few brief sittings and another contest;
He hardly gets to know th' billiard tables
Before he's out . . .
(Alarums and Harbour excursions; enter Macpuff
at the head of a Picnic Party.)
MACPUFF: Now, yield thee, tyrant!
By that fourth party which I once did form,
I'll take thee to a picnic, there to live
On windfall oranges!
MACBREATH: . . . Nay, rather death!
Death before picnic! Lay on Macpuff,
And damned be he who first cries Hold, enough!
(They fight. Macbreath is struck on the back of the head
by some blue metal from Pennant Hills Quarry. He falls. The referee
counts, 'One, two, three, eight, nine, ten, out!')
MACPUFF: Kind voters all, and worthy gentlemen,
Who rallied to my flag today, and made me
Member for Thompson, from my soul I thank you.
There needs no trumpet blast, for I can blow
Like any trombone. Prithee, let us go!
Thanks to you all who shared this glorious day,
Whom I invite to dance at Chowder Bay!
poem by Andrew Barton Paterson
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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State Of The Nation
You can walk, or you can run
You dont have to be someone
I went on a summer cruise
Upon an ocean born to lose
My brother said that he was dead
I saw his face and shook my head
Can you see where we cant be
Were losing our blood in the sea
cause its the state of the nation
Thats holding our salvation
Yes, its the state of the nation
Thats holding our salvation
Oh, the state of the nation
Is causing deprivation
Oh, the state of the nation
Is causing deprivation
From my home I traveled far
I drove in my stolen car
When it broke down, I kissed the ground
cause I dont kiss when youre around
I dont find that I have been
The portrait of an only son
If thats the case, then who could tell
Where my story had begun?
Cause its the state of the nation
Thats holding our salvation
Yes, its the state of the nation
Thats holding our salvation
Yes, the state of the nation
Thats causing deprivation
Oh, the state of the nation
Thats causing deprivation
Even now, Im all alone
Behind a wall thats made of stone
I think about where we have been
And all the sights that could be seen
I know it all could be worthwhile
If only I could force a smile
Now we turn our backs to the sea
The shame of a nation well never be
Cause its the state of the nation
Thats holding our salvation
Yes, its the state of the nation
Thats holding our salvation
Oh, the state of the nation
Is causing deprivation
Yes, the state of the nation
Is causing deprivation
song performed by by New Order
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Touch screen voting is a fine thing so long as they have a voter-verified paper trail.
quote by Joan Blades
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Push Push
Come take a ride
Or a slipnside
To sit astridengliden.
....Push!Push!
Please pull the strings
Bees use their stings
Birds spread their wing and
Some things...Push! Push!
A puss that pures
By settinspures
Is this his or her what stirs?
Now: Push! Push!
Unlock the sloice
Bring up the juce
Just let it loose..Producen
Push! Push!
Refrain
Push! Push! Push!Just a little
Push! Push! Push!A little further
Push! Push! Push!Just a little bit
Push! Push! Push!A little bit mooooore!
Ooh what a blow
Yeah, what a show!
Hey, one more throw...
Lets go now! Push! Push!
Another shot
We hit teh spot
Oh that was hot.. a lot
Now: Push! Push!
Refrain
From stick or stone
To the prick an d bone
Im lyinprone, Im nnnot alone
Push!Push!
With a whip and chain
Theres plesuren pain
And no venture, no gain....again
Now Push!! Push!
Refrain
Our fathers who are from heaven
When kings have come thy will be
done Forgive this day - our dailybread Give ahead!!!
Refrain
song performed by by Falco
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Manners Lost
Bumped from behind
as I was walking down
the street today.
The culprit shot me
a menacing glare
as if to say
how dare I
be in her way
Waiting on the sidewalk
to board an empty bus,
in front the vehicle door
stands three of us
resisting the force
of an impatient crowd,
yet the man on my right,
to make matters worse,
still feels he must
push me aside
to get on first.
At the grocery store
manner-less people gather galore.
So precious is your time
and so regal are you
that you cannot wait in line
like ordinary others do,
so you swerve your cart
and cut in front
the customer in queue.
With ease I can carry on
till I have a lengthy song
of all the ill manners
or lack of courtesy
witnessed and suffered daily,
but it will not bring any solution
to the bad manners pollution
devastating our nation.
So, instead I'll remind
everyone to look,
search until you find
the manners left behind
back in those old days
when we were uncivilized.
poem by Shaqueena Celestin
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In this context, social consensus, and institutions that embody this consensus, must be made effective in order for democratization not to be abused as a provisional instrument to establish an anti-democratic regime.
quote by Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Choice Of Tone and Arrogant Demeanor
Why is it,
People solicit to get opinions...
Then wish them to be edited,
To appease their expectatons.
And those who refuse to honor their requests
Are thought to be stand-offish...
With an angering of those that stir up protests,
Against someone who attempts not to get them upset.
And yet it does,
And they do...
By trying to protect their sensitivities.
But the depth of them had not been explored,
To make known.
Why is it,
People solicit to get opinions...
Then wish them to be edited,
To appease their expectatons?
And that one who 'is' direct,
With a giving of an opinion to suggest and recommend...
Is seldom left to leave them without being disrespected.
To anger those...
Yep!
You've guessed it.
By trying to protect their sensitivities.
'It wasn't what you said that offended.
It was your choice of tone and arrogant demeanor.
And we are not accustomed,
To anyone who disregards what we accept.'
~What do you prefer?
Deception? ~
'YES!
We thought to 'you' this would be obvious.
Aren't we charading with the best of our pretentions?
How are you ever going to be one of 'us'? '
~Uh...
I'm clueless.~
'And apparently raw, out of the box and not trained, either! '
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Climate Change Converts
After eleven years as Prime Minister it does seem quite strange
That John Howard the ageing politician is talking of climate change
But this after all is an Election year
And of losing the top job is now his greatest fear.
For eleven years warnings of climate change he chose to ignore
But climate change has become an Election issue as never before
Howard the climate change convert on combating climate change now leads the way
On climate change he has become an instant expert and on it has much to say.
His opponent for the top job Kevin Rudd is a climate change convert too
It is amazing what an Election can do
To the climate change realist voters they are trying to appeal
Of climate change suddenly they make a big deal.
The ideas of the climate change experts Howard and Rudd now embrace
As their moment of truth they are about to face
The climate realist voters they are trying to appease
But try as they will not everyone they will please.
poem by Francis Duggan
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Hero
Looking for salvation, Im blind.
Thought contamination, I find.
Greedy spiders talk to me in my head.
I think Im drifting.
Im in the big machine. my next heros calling.
Who knows what he may bring to me?
Government intrusion, again.
Cultural illusion, offends.
Grain of sand in traffic jam, and Im late.
I think Im drifting.
Im in the big machine. my next heros calling.
Who knows what she may bring to me?
See the demons all around and sometimes
I feel like one of them. feel the rage is building inside,
I walk to the final edge, Im dreaming...
Im in the big machine. my next heros calling.
Who knows what he may bring to me?
song performed by by Queensryche
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Education – The Beat of the Street
It’s the beat of the street that we need in this nation
If you want to tell the kids; go get an education
You’ll have to show ’em it’s a sort of salvation
From the me-now lifestyle that just craves titillation
On sleazy easy street; it’s a sad situation
For they moan that work and college don’t bring much motivation
And it’s not just a matter of mass communication
To appeal to bored teenagers of this generation
It’s the beat of the street you’ll need in preparation
To get across your message in this no-hope nation
Shouting it louder won’t cause the creation
Of a change of mind for a new determination:
You just risk creating apathetic alienation,
So tell ’em it’s a source of self-preservation,
That a word’s like a blade to solve a situation
If you use it skilfully with deft discrimination
That cuts down an enemy without aggravation
And settles the score without recrimination
And perhaps you won’t be met with cold condemnation
And the youth will engage with fresh participation
If the beat of the street can be their education.
Yes, the beat of the street can be their education;
The beat of the street must be their education.
poem by C. Richard Miles
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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In The Hopes To Them An Attention Is Given
I am not one into pretense.
Or those with expertise in playing,
Self-victimization games.
With a determination to place fault.
And a seeking someone to blame.
Nor am I into petty.
Petty people quickly peep,
Into affairs not theirs.
With embellishing exaggerations.
In the hopes to them an attention is given.
And for some reason these people believe,
Their childish ways are attractive.
With accusations on their lips,
To find something done to them offensive.
And create it to share if not there.
I am not one into pretense.
Or those with expertise in playing,
Self-victimization games.
And I accept being portrayed,
As stand-offish.
Since petty people quickly peep,
Into affairs not theirs.
And my affairs are my own business.
Private and peaceful,
To keep away from public ears.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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