The Night Before Christmas (12/20/2005)

Twas the night before Christmas and in the White House
The president paced and complained to his spouse.
"I donít understand it. Supportís down the drain.
I need Karl Roveís help because heís been my brain.
ëWe donít trust George Bush,í is the peoplesí refrain.
But, shucks, Iím the boss. I donít have to explain.
Defense guru Rummy and Cheney, my Vice,
Tell me ëDubya, donít worry. Soon all will be nice."

So with that hope in mind, the Prez went off to bed
As visions of poll numbers danced in his head.
But then up on the roof there arose such a clatter,
He leaped from the sheets to see what was the matter.

Down the chimney came Santa, a frown on his face.
He said, "Listen up! These are the facts of the case.
Iíve been making a list. Iíve been checking it twice.
You have really messed up and need honest advice.
You were smug as you started the year, when you said,
ëAll the power is mine.í Then it went to your head.
Your advisers well knew that they had to agree.
Otherwise they got booted and then had to flee.
You scoffed at all questions. Your critics got slime.
Your slide in the polls? Just a matter of time.

You prodded your country to ill-conceived war
Tens of thousands have died. Will there be thousands more?
What part of invasion donít you understand?
People hate you and fight when youíve trampled their land.
You donít have a real plan for winning this one.
Elections arenít free at the point of a gun.

In your own nation are so many needs.
You say that you care, but perform no good deeds.
Those hurricanes showed your incompetent self
To all of the world AND those begging for help.
Your cronies get contracts and make tons of money.
The deals are corrupt, the perks sweeter than honey.

Thereís the White House outing of a CIA spy,
Which for months your office would only deny.

Your political pals face arrays of scandals
You know theyíre a bunch of heartless vandals.
Safavian, Cunningham, Scanlon and Frist,
The names roll on. Itís a very long list.
Whatís that? You say, ëWhat about Scooter? DeLay?í
We have to stop there or weíll be here all day.

You ignore this rot, tell the same tired story
To pre-approved people who clap for your glory.
What is the news that you donít want to hear?
Why does the truth make you tremble in fear?

Your termís three more years, so you must change your way.
You must start right now. There must be no delay.
I see that you really donít know what to do,
So this Christmas Eve, hereís my present to you:
You must learn to govern instead of to rule.
Be honest and open, not sliming and cruel.
Americans are good. They deserve the best.
So be a good man, then youíll have a good rest."

With that, Santa sprang up and into his sleigh.
He had much to do before night became day.
The Prez wasnít sure-- was it real or a dream?
Letís pray he believes it and gets a new team.

Our leaders should strive to be worthy of us.
If they arenít, tell ëem, "Youíre done. Get off of the bus."
Two thousand six brings elections, new choices.
The power is ours. Let them hear our loud voices!
Speak your concerns and then be sure to vote
Let the new year ring in on this positive note.

- Judith Kohler

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