Of debatable value

To call it "debate" is a sin
For each side will declare "it's a win!"
It's a partisan skirmish
Where truth is a dervish
Caught up in political spin


Voters Chew Over Dissected Debates
Washington Post, 9/29/04

Close the door! You might let in a...

Security Mom Alert

The solution they're likely to craft
For an Army that's so understaffed
Will get a new name.
They don't want the blame,
So our leaders are dodging "The Draft."

It's a place that they don't want to venture
For the fear of severe public censure.
But the final prescription
Could bring back conscription
Cuz it's not just a job it's indenture.


"I would vote for Howdy Doody if I thought it would keep my boys home and safe."
Beverly Coco, mother of two grown sons - CBS

We're Dodging the Draft Issue
By Jonathan Alter, Newsweek, Oct 4 issue

Rain of terror

The south coast is barely survivin'
After weeks, now, of stormin' and strivin'.
With Charley then Frances,
Just what are the chances
This terrible reign ends with Ivan?

Hurricane wreaks more havoc in US
BBC News, 9/17/04

Like Bush, the "memos" may not fly

CBS has the press in a lather
Over truth of the news that they gather
Says Dan, on appeal,
"It's all basically real,
Unless actual proof you would Rather..."

Rather defends 'thrust' of report on Bush service
The Washington Times, 9/16/04

Cellblock: the "it" color for fall

Though Martha is headed to jail,
The Stewart cachet cannot fail.
A nation now waits
To scarf up tin plates
When her Prison Collection's on sale.

Martha Stewart opts for prison
CNN, 9/16/04

Maybe we should elect an optometrist

It's enough with the steel and the flint.
Mr. Bush, let us give you a hint:
You claim it's your mission
To bring a "clear vision,"
So why is it, then, that you squint?



Bush shouldn't accuse anyone of flip-flopping
Statesman Journal, 9/9/04

Banned guns don't save lives;

People, who ban guns, do!


For a decade, we'd brought to a halt
Sale of weapons, used just for assault.
So when Billy or Suzi
Get killed by an Uzi
Please remember the gun's not at fault.

Assault weapons ban to expire Monday
CNN, 9/13/04

Grim prediction

I posted the following image in April under the headline "Is this picture worth a thousand lives?" - an unfortunately prophetic question. Common Ground magazine made it the cover of their July issue and they were kind enough to post my comments on it there:

Art is art and should not have to justify itself. What the viewer brings to the experience always colors the experience. In the tradition of the best of art, your image is neither didactic nor easily interpreted. As a veteran myself, I find the images of my fellow servicemen and women to be both poignant and a tribute to their willingness to serve. What wartime leader would not acknowledge that their "image" is truly built on those that serve at the frontlines? I congratulate you on creating an image whose meaning and motive is not simply discerned, unlike the subject of that image.
- The Limerick Savant

The War President
courtesy of Joe Wezorek at American Leftist


Click image for enlarged view

Fortunate Son

Creedence Clearwater Revival


Some folks are born made to wave the flag,
Ooh, they're red, white and blue.
And when the band plays "Hail to the chief",
Ooh, they point the cannon at you, Lord,

It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no senator's son, son.
It ain't me, it ain't me;
I ain't no fortunate one no,

Some folks are born silver spoon in hand,
Lord, don't they help themselves, oh.
But when the taxman comes to the door,
Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale, yes,

It ain't me, it ain't me,
I ain't no millionaire's son, no.
It ain't me, it ain't me;
I ain't no fortunate one, no.

Some folks inherit star spangled eyes,
Ooh, they send you down to war, Lord,
And when you ask them, "How much should we give?"
Ooh, they only answer More! more! more! yoh,

It ain't me, it ain't me,
I ain't no military son, son.
It ain't me, it ain't me;
I ain't no fortunate one, one.

It ain't me, it ain't me,
I ain't no fortunate one, no no no,
It ain't me, it ain't me,
I ain't no fortunate son, no no no,


(c) Creedence Clearwater Revival - Chronicle: The 20 Greatest Hits, 1976 & 1991 Fantasy / Creedence Clearwater Revival - Willie And The Poor Boys, (Original 1969) Fantasy / John Fogerty - Premonition(Live), 1998 Warner / Creedence Clearwater Revisited - Recollection(Live), 1998 Fuel 2000

U.S. Death Toll in Iraq Surpasses 1,000
NPR, Morning Edition, 9/8/04

Another bypass operation

Unlike Clinton, a man it behooved,
Dubya's "surgery" won't be approved.
Even though Mr. Powell
May throw in the towel,
Bush is sh*t if his Colin's removed!

End of the rainbow
The Guardian, 9/6/04

Accept nomination?

How about accepting responsibility?

Ideas aplenty you tossed,
Mr. Bush, but at really what cost?
Tax cuts are no perk
For those out of work.
So, where are the jobs that we lost?

Bush vows to protect America
Guardian Unlimited, 9/3/04

From the GOP convention floor

We don't think, any longer, it queer
That George Bush is a monger of fear.
For what fool would say "nope"
Now to "safety" and "hope?"
So, instead, all the stronger we cheer.

Bush casts himself as strong leader in time of peril
San Jose Mercury News, 9/2/04

Best performance by a tool

Yes, Arnold, I may be a girly-man.
When views disagree, as they surely can,
Some men stay the course
Instead of endorse
Like a big hypocritical burly-man.

GOP flexes muscle
Variety, 8/31/04