On Saving Democracy

There were times when we at least thought

The United States was deserving of praise.

We served as a model for many nations.

What has happened to those days?

 

Now we're at the threshold of

A growing movement that seems to be

A direct assault on what we've stood for

And a threat to our democracy.

 

How we used to criticize

Strongman rulers worldwide

Who stripped their people of their rights!

Oh, how we were horrified!

 

Now people around the world

Look at us in disbelief

And ask themselves how all of us

Are not overcome with grief.

 

People who lived in autocracies

And fled because they lived in fear,

Look around wide-eyed and ask,

"What the hell is happening here?"

 

Insurrectionists being called

Patriots? Voter suppression?

Overturning election results?

A personality cult obsession?

 

Immigrants becoming scapegoats?

People challenging safe elections?

Paramilitary thugs?

Folks with suspicious foreign connections?

 

People threatening health care workers

And thinking there's nothing wrong with that?

The breaking down of institutions?

Voters preferring an autocrat?

 

Apathy will be our downfall;

Our complacency will as well.

There won't be a clang of freedom

From our silenced Liberty Bell.

 

If we do not strive to preserve

Democracy and make that our aim,

We will suffer the consequences

And have only ourselves to blame.

 

-by Bob B (10-12-21)