The Ogre at the Gates of Democracy
The Ogre is at the Gates of Democracy
and we….. we are trembling on the ramparts,
armed with water pistols and toy rifles,
back in the castle
our jesters jest
our jesters taunt
our bards sing songs of ridicule
but no one’s fooled.
The Ogre lowers his orange head
and charges once more
behind him the assembled hordes froth and roar
froth and roar
behind him the assembled hordes
froth and roar.
Well, that was all a bit melodramatic, wasn’t it? On the other hand…….. this month The Atlantic magazine devoted a whole issue to the question ” If Trump Wins”; 24 articles in all, predicting the effect of a Trump victory on everything from NATO to anxiety. In addition there’s an essay by Tim Alberta on The Church of America (My father, my faith and Donald Trump). It’s worth buying the magazine for that essay alone, that is if you want to know why White Christian America would embrace a sinner like Trump.
But what got me most about the articles and essays, despite the erudition, insightfulness and eloquence, was that it all seemed like a collective throwing up of the hands; a feeling of despair, failure and powerlessness . I know journalists love a narrative but come on now……and then I thought of Amy Klobuchar who, when in a CNN interview prior to the last election, was asked what she was going to do about the limited number of polling stations in known Democratic Party areas in her state, said that they had it covered, they were organizing buses, rides, they would get people to the polls. In other words, they were organizing, taking action. Analysis can only go so far.
Taking part in OpenLinkNight over at dverse.
Stopdraggingthepanda 
I think it was Jimi Hendrix who said if the world is going to change it will be through music. I wonder at that. It occurred to me should a poverty-stricken child somewhere, in a moment of (divine) inspiration, make a mark in the sand, just so, it could be the beginning of something strong – the butterfly effect type of thing. But yes, some sort of action is necessary.
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This is so chilling, and if the one who cannot be named wins again the world is doomed for the benefit of none… (actually Mar el lago is likely to be under water by the end of his term)
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Thanks for reading Bjorn!
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So true and so chilling, Jim. When America trumps (another word in English for fart) the whole world trembles. What an appropriate name for the orange one.
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Thanks Kim!
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This is so disappointing and so depressing. And I pray that more action by those concerned will bring that ogre down on his knees. Thanks for joining in.
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I was anticipating more from you on this execrable subject. I am perfectly fine with my state and Maine, and hopefully soon many more, banning him from the ballot. If the Supremes really believe in their Originalist religion on the Constitution, they must side with the states in reading the 14th amendment as it is plainly written. I consider all that to be “doing something.” It’s too bad The Atlantic has embraced defeatism. I would have hoped for better.
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Hopefully the initiatives in Maine and Colorado will have some success, Eilene. The liberal press up here were all trotting out the end of democracy narrative too, it’s an approach that’s not particularly useful.. Thanks for reading! JIM
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I agree that the press is acting like there’s nothing that can be done, which is beyond depressing and irresponsible besides. Stop talking about Trump! Start talking about what needs to be done and how to do it. Start talking about who is going to make positive change, and how we can help them do it…(K)
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I couldn’t agree more!
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Jim, your poem “The Ogre at the Gates of Democracy” brilliantly captures the tension and absurdity in the political landscape. The repetition of “froth and roar” adds to its impactful rhythm. Your commentary emphasizes the need for action over analysis. A thought-provoking piece! 🏰🔶📜
~David
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Thanks David!
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You hit the Ogre on the head with this one Jim. When neither candidate is suitable, it is easy feel like what’s the use. The dark powers puppeteers are pulling all the strings. On the anniversary of the storming of the Capital, your post is very prophetic.
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The orange Ogre certainly does have a lot of “froth”: may this roar be his and his mob’s last.
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I hear music in the second stanza
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