Gary Bateman Poet Political Verse

Notes About The Poem

Author's Notes: "The Pied Piper from New York City," Parts One and Two, is a new political-verse poem that I just completed on September 7, 2017. I view this poem not only from the standpoint of it being a "political verse," but also as a "treatise" on the challenge of maintaining proper democracy in the United States with the ascension of the new presidential administration on January 20, 2017. It is also "my personal treatise of dissent" on many of the negative things that have happened since the person I call "The Pied Piper" has entered this critically important office as the Chief Executive of Our Land. You can draw your own conclusions from what I've articulated here. I've always felt that in dynamic times of great political upheaval, challenges and crises, and when the very foundations of our democracy itself are under attack as witnessed over the many years since American's very inception as a new nation -- to now, at this very moment in the twenty-first century; that it, therefore, certainly behooves poets and writers to speak out loudly and clearly on all significant issues concerning justice, fairness, tolerance, equality, decency, and opposition to all forms of prejudice, racism, hatred, anti-Semitism (to include all other religions), in the vital maintenance of democracy. Our cherished American governmental institutions and the strength of the very fabric of our democracy depend upon this very thing, as they do with the democratic governments our of Western Allies and other key partners worldwide. We cannot fail in this effort! (Gary Bateman - September 7, 2017) (Political Verse)

Categories: allusion, america, betrayal, corruption, judgement, new york, and political.

The Pied Piper From New York City - Part Two

The Pied Piper from New York City – Part Two

This is quite despicable and very inappropriate for someone holding the 
“Highest Office in Our Land.” The Pied Piper hides his treachery by
Wrapping himself in the glory of the “Stars and Stripes.” Talk about
True shame! He should look in the mirror!  

The “Forgotten Man” who represents those who fell prey to the inflated
Promises and mindless propaganda of The Pied Piper, should not at all
Be surprised later when they suddenly discover—they’ve been “had,” 
That is,
Sadly, forgotten by their Pied Piper,
Replete with his famous Trademark Attributes: 
Thin-skin, 
Clay-feet, 
Twitter-thumbs and
A shrill-accusatory voice.

The Pied Piper, as new-style politician, is also mired in some other
key controversies with his family that are worth mentioning.

Since coming to Washington, DC and ascending to the White House
on January 20, 2017:

The Pied Piper and his family have viewed the nation’s capital and
the people’s house as,

“Luscious Juicy Plums—Ripe for the Picking!”

And, the Pied Piper’s various plans and actions since his ascension
to the presidency are certainly not done necessarily in favor of the
American people—if at all!

Characteristically, he enjoys playing to people’s “Fears,” rather
than taking the higher road that any good leader would do, by
appealing to the “Better Angels of Their Nature.” For sure, an 
Abraham Lincoln, he’s not, nor shall he ever be!    

Indeed, the Piped Piper has done some very naughty things,
among others, already to his credit and ignominy:

His poorly-conceived and implemented Muslim travel ban.

Playing “Chicken” with the U.S. Congress on the state and 
quality of American healthcare.

Using the White House as his own personal ATM machine.

Becoming the “Patron Saint of Nepotism” with the inclusion
of select family members on his staff. (What’s wrong with a
little nepotism, eh?)

Engulfed in multiple business conflicts of interest, both foreign
and domestic.

Revelations of potential collusion with Russia and Russian
surrogates to interfere with the 2016 presidential election.

Blatant violations of the Emoluments Clause of the U.S.
Constitution.

And he’s just now quashed executive branch protection of the 
DACA Dreamer Immigrant Program. 

All these very naughty things are: tragic, thoughtless, sad, stupid,
and grossly reprehensible!

With all this, I now rest my case!

Yet, I would like to encourage everyone to reflect for a
critical moment on “The Fragile Nature of Democracy.”
 
“Democracy,” itself, has been viewed and likened to:
“That Most Precious Fabergé Egg.”

We all must devoutly cherish this most precious Fabergé Egg
called “Democracy.”

And protect it always from the unscrupulous actions of the
Pied Pipers of the World!

For us to do otherwise—would be unforgivable! 

Need I say more?

Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved
September 7, 2017 (Political Verse)

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Duke Beaufort November 25, 2018 at 7:26 PM And some of the reasons have nothing to do with the issues, but rather the lack of our ability to reform the system so that it works for everyone. And, so you and I find ourselves in this really awful stinking mess. I loved reading your work and give you a lot of credit for pointing out so many of the evils. Gary Bateman November 26, 2018 at 7:20 AM Hello Duke, I really do appreciate your various comments and commend you on your thoughts and concerns about the "T-Man," our political system, the corruption, and false values, and even outrageous lies, etc. Hopefully, a process of healing can take place after Trump is gone. But it will take time, and will take high-quality leadership to make it all happen!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Duke Beaufort November 25, 2018 at 7:24 PM ...and he tells me that a lot of folks there are saying that they didn't want to vote for Trump, but they felt they had no choice because the alternative was unpalatable. Regardless of the facts, the perception was that she was not on their side. In fact, she didn't do enough to alleviate their fears, and we ended up in this terrible situation. I ask myself why people who supported Obama couldn't support her. I only mention this because there is a lack of focus on reasons we have this. Gary Bateman November 26, 2018 at 7:28 AM Duke, I understand what you're saying. I do think that many who held their noses and voted for the T-Man in lieu of The Lady, were unaware of just how bad the T-Man could be. Well we all know now. The Lady had some issues, but on the skills-side of the house, she was ready to go to work on Day One, and happened to have a most excellent VP candidate by her side. The T-Man can still do a lot of further damage over the next two years or so!! Best, Gary

Duke Beaufort November 25, 2018 at 7:19 PM He is a spoiled little child who has gotten away with he behavior for far too long. He will also never change. I hear your despair. Change comes at the voting booth in this case. We are stuck and have to wait until 2020. SO, a lot more will go wrong, and we work to explain as you have done, these bad things to the voting public who needed the attention in 2016, but who were ignored. I know someone who travels the middle of the country (who appear to some to be at war with the coasts)... Gary Bateman November 26, 2018 at 7:42 AM Hello Duke (again)!! I agree with all that you say!! A lot of bad stuff can happen yet before we reach 2020. As a retired military officer and veteran, I live now over here in Germany as an Expat, and my wife is German.) Having once been a "Soviet Specialist" in the U.S. Army, I see first-hand how deplorable Trump's policies and actions, in general, have greatly tarnished America's image here overseas. Many American probably don't care about this, but they should!! I will be ready to vote in 2020 to ensure that the T-Man gets booted out!! Gary (P.S. I originally come from Kansas so I understand the division between the middle America and the coasts.)

Arthur Vaso September 30, 2017 at 8:05 PM I would vote for you Gary, and nothing in life is smooth, the USA is a great democracy, however there in no system of perfection, and there will always be the exceptions to the rule. There are pied pipers in may walks of life as well. I commend you for not only writing this fine piece for writing to your politicians, many think of rights, few these days of their duty and responsibilities!!! Gary Bateman October 1, 2017 at 2:47 PM Hello Arthur -- and many thanks here for your observations and comments!! Alas, I'm not a politician and certainly not a billionaire. I am quite qualified, however, in foreign affairs based on my advanced education and years of professional overseas experience both with the U.S. Army and later as U.S. DoD civilian -- especially in Soviet Affairs. People need to actively participate in democracy and to speak up when things are not as they're supposed to be. The arguments of the AfD party here in Germany are reflective of the same type of dime store hyperbole and sensationalism posited by The Pied Piper and some of his more rabid followers. Democracy for sure is "That Most Precious Fabergé Egg." And it will surely best tested by some of the "other" Pied Pipers who are active in the world today. Keep the Faith, Vote, and never be afraid to speak up!! Best Always, Gary

Silent One September 20, 2017 at 10:27 AM Wow.. i'm lost for words, I think all that can be said has been said.. this is powerful political post.. I must say though there is no such thing as democracy in this world my friend, not even in the west, where corrupt leaders hide behind masks... Gary Bateman September 20, 2017 at 1:51 PM Hello Silent One!! Thanks for your read of this rather pointed political verse. I could've actually turned this whole thing into a full-blown political essay given its depth. About "Democracy," in America, I know that former president Jimmy Carter remarked recently that under the man I call "The Pied Piper," the U.S. Government today resembles more of an "Oligarchy" than it does a "Democracy." I would think that's a rather accurate portrayal of things by Mr. Carter. (The rest of all my other thoughts are interlaced throughout my poem.) Corrupt leaders do hide behind their masks!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Emile Pinet September 11, 2017 at 10:09 AM Let us remember that Hitler was a "Pied Piper", but he was not alone, and neither is this piper, it takes other like minded monsters with poisoned minds to make his pipe play so beautifully that the rats marched to his tune until they died, none the wiser for their depraved dance with Diablo. The republican party has nothing to be proud of, Emile. Gary Bateman September 11, 2017 at 2:34 PM Hello Emile, Thanks again my friend for dropping by to complete your read of my poem here!! Yes, for sure, I'm in perfect agreement with what you mention below. The Pied Piper, whether it be our current occupant of the White House or Hitler or Mussolini or Stalin, etc., all had/have enablers and like-minded people to ensure the Piper's pipe plays loudly!! Yes, the Republican Party should've shunned this man, but they did not. Our American Democracy is now learning a very crucial lesson. Our Founders precisely feared this because of the experience they had with King George III. I hope the American Public wakes up and quits sleepwalking. Best Wishes, Gary

Donna Loughman September 9, 2017 at 6:10 PM Let us all pray for impeachment! Thank you for such an excellent write! Gary Bateman September 10, 2017 at 11:37 AM Thanks Donna for your grand comments and thoughts!! I shall certainly join you in that divine prayer you speak of!! Best Wishes Always, Gary

Liam Mcdaid September 9, 2017 at 5:18 PM excellent piece the mother of all bombs dropped in your ink smiling Gary Bateman September 10, 2017 at 11:32 AM Yes, Liam Mate, methinks the "mother of all bombs" did indeed drop in my inkwell. In spite of this, methinks I presented some rational arguments or at least tried to, in the hope of attempting to make some sense of things in a whole circumstance that's been quite irrational since January 20, 2017. May our friend, the "Old Irish Goddess" protect and guide us!! Rather well-put, eh?? Best Wishes, Gary

Vladislav Raven September 9, 2017 at 4:33 PM Hi Gary, this whole piece has been well written. What position shall America be in when this idiot is not president any more? It is a scary thought. Now, taking all you have written into consideration, how did this happen? You have said what needed to be said Gary. It is sad that the next president is going to have so much to put back together. Well done my friend, an awesome political write. This part is also a fave Gary. Your Friend always..Mike. Gary Bateman September 10, 2017 at 11:21 AM Thanks Mike for your continuing comments here!! My thought on how this happened, in general, can be attributed to what I see as a lack of real, genuine civics training in schools and in society, not only in the USA, but also in many of the European democracies. Many people today know nothing of the structure of government and how it supposed to function. And the politicians are at fault too. Many of them are focused on themselves and getting re-elected, and not on doing the right thing and making the tough decisions when required. Not all of them are this way, but enough. An uninformed electorate is a recipe for disaster, and helps to set the conditions for a "Bamboozler" to ascend to the highest office. The next president will indeed have so much to do to try to right all of this after so much damage has already been done -- let alone the relationships with our allies!! There will be some very challenging times ahead for sure!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Anne-Lise Andresen September 7, 2017 at 3:04 PM ... you've said most of it ... my friend Gary - CHEERS ! - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Gary Bateman September 7, 2017 at 4:12 PM Thanks again Dear Anne-Lise!! I do think that both of us know something for sure now about this topic and the many challenges that lie ahead for the continued preservation of democracy, good governance, and responsible government. At least, I hope so!! Best Always, Gary

Demetrios Trifiatis September 7, 2017 at 2:34 PM I will just repeat the comment I made in part 1: Mein freund Gary, this is a profoundly outstanding poem that everyone should read and profit from it! Seldom we witness such depth and comprehension of today's political scene and of society in general! It goes without saying that it is a fave for me! Congratulations my friend. Wunderbar! Superbly written! Gary Bateman September 7, 2017 at 4:32 PM Bolshoi Blagodaryu Demetrios!! A Big Many Thanks to you Demetrios and for The FAVE!! I always treasure greatly your thoughts, comments, and advice. This poem will certainly be in my next book. There will be more to follow on all of this. Democracy, indeed, is that very special Faberge Egg!! It must be preserved and protected for sure!! Cheers and Best, Gary