Promises

In opposition they criticize all that is wrong
and all that is good, according to their agenda.
They put clogs in wheels, aided by defiant unions
and often bringing the country to a standstill
with senseless strikes and organized protests.
Mud is thrown at government and individuals;
much of it sticks; the end justifies the means.
During the run-up to elections they use the media 
to their advantage; the message drummed over
and over during house visits and heated mass rallies 
rousing the rabble with heartfelt oratory.
They promise transparency and accountability;
fair sharing of wealth, help to the homeless and 
to the needy; curbing favours to friends of friends 
by resorting to the ideal concept of meritocracy; 
lowering taxes and bills and introducing new social 
benefits that would put all on an equal footing.
Most of all they harp on the eradication of corruption.
They hold roadmaps to solve all the country’s woes. 
They promise heaven on earth; they promise Utopia.
Glittering manifesto is presented with much fanfare.

The gullible, switchers and uneducated are brainwashed.
As expected, election produces the desired results and 
the party in opposition gets in power...on promises!
Promises that cannot be kept. The devil wants his due. 
He grins, pointing to the small writing on the manifesto...
The majority had failed to notice it. It reads...SUCKERS. 

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Contest: I Can’t Breathe
Sponsor: Cyndi MacMillan 
Placing: 1st
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Allison Avatar
April 22, 2015 at 7:15 PM
dropping back with my congrats Paul:-) Hugs Jan xx
Callus Avatar
April 28, 2015 at 1:16 PM
Thank you Jan! Started oiling my engine to get it back to working order:) Will take some more time! Hugs // paul
A   Avatar
April 18, 2015 at 6:36 PM
Hello Paul, it was nice seeing Cyndi's "I CAN'T BREATHE, generous list." Hope you enjoyed the showcase of this powerful contest theme, thank you for sharing the message. XOX ~LINDA~
Callus Avatar
April 28, 2015 at 1:24 PM
Thank you Linda:) I'm not back on Soup, yet, but stopping by a while, visiting friends! Hugs // paul
Hamilton Avatar
April 16, 2015 at 1:09 PM
great poem Paul congrats on win hugs 7
Callus Avatar
April 28, 2015 at 1:13 PM
Thank you Shadow! Lovely to have you visiting; appreciate the high rating! // paul
Dietrich Avatar
January 11, 2015 at 4:48 PM
I hate politics, Paul. It is all a bunch of BS over and over again. Great entry for this contest. Was it ever judged?
Callus Avatar
January 11, 2015 at 5:13 PM
I don't think it's been judged. Politics is a necessary evil; many politicians go into politics for personal gain; fortunately there are the few who are genuine, but they swim against strong currents, and make little inroad. // paul
Yvonne Avatar
December 23, 2014 at 3:41 PM
The problem with politics is that there needs to be elections. It is never who can rule best but who is best at getting elected. There is never any progress because the minute one election ends the road to next election commences. Your brilliant write makes that clear in a very eloquent way. Problem is you need someone who is not blinded by their party to read it. There is always hope. I know this will do well in Cyndi's challenge. Happy Christmas!
Callus Avatar
December 23, 2014 at 4:50 PM
Many thanks for your insightful comments, Maurice....very much with sense. Also thank you for the faith you show in it. // Have a joyous Christmas together with all the ones you hold close to your heart. // paul
Lamoureux Avatar
December 23, 2014 at 7:43 AM
I didn't know you were from Canada! All kidding aside it seems a number of countries have the same problem.
Callus Avatar
December 23, 2014 at 1:09 PM
So true, Richard. I am not saying that all politicians are not to be trusted, but I am sure that many are those who have party or personal agendas. // Have a blessed and happy Christmas...that includes all your loved ones (& Mama Bear). // paul
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
December 23, 2014 at 2:28 AM
powerful PAul..!!!!!this reflects much of our politics here in Philippines.. hugs and hugs.. :)!
Callus Avatar
December 23, 2014 at 1:04 PM
Thank you dear Olive_eloi:) That's seems to be the way how modern politics works...but I am sure that way back it was not much different, either. Take care. :)))) and hugs......paul
O.J. Hunt Avatar
December 22, 2014 at 6:36 PM
Vive le common sense! Great effort Paul Keith :-)
Callus Avatar
December 23, 2014 at 1:20 PM
Thank you Keith. About time voters started using their common sense. Happy Christmas // paul
Allison Avatar
December 22, 2014 at 6:13 PM
cynical or what Paul lol - same over here too the only time you see them is election time! Great write:-) good luck hugs Jan xxx
Callus Avatar
December 23, 2014 at 12:47 PM
Hi Jan! I suppose this is a worldwide problem. People clamour for a change even when there is no need for a change. No governments are perfect, but nobody can promise perfection knowing fully well that those promises cannot be kept. hugs // paul
Meier-Hans Avatar
December 22, 2014 at 5:39 PM
Yes Paul and it is the same in all our different Countries. The exact same lies and gullible suckers all over the world.
Callus Avatar
December 23, 2014 at 1:24 PM
I agree with you, Brenda; this is a common disease against which science has made no inroads. // Have a blessed and happy Christmas. Thank you for all your support and lovely comments. Take care. // paul
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