Alas, That It's Lost
In a bygone America the First Amendment
Was as sacred as a Biblical Commandment:
"I disagree with what you say,
But your right to say it,
I'll defend to the death"--
Rang out the shibboleth.
Disagreements and disputes
Were all the rage;
Discussion, debate, and discourse
Took center-stage.
From Lincoln-Douglas down through Kennedy-Nixon,
Our leaders warred
With eloquent words
Instead of with swords...
...But now there's precious little freedom of speech,
Political corretness is what academies preach.
"Sexist," "Racist," "Fascist," they all screech;
'My way or the highway,' is what they teach.
'Twas a noble idea once,
Was Freedom of speech:
Today observed less in the act
Than in the breach.
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