Politry http://www.politry.com Political poems, commentary, and occasional reflections on reality by Ken Duncan. Wed, 16 May 2012 15:19:08 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Political poems, commentary, and occasional reflections on reality by Ken Duncan. Politry no Political poems, commentary, and occasional reflections on reality by Ken Duncan. Politry http://www.politry.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://www.politry.com This is an XML content feed. It is intended to be viewed in a newsreader or syndicated to another site. Obamacare Can’t Help http://www.politry.com/2012/05/16/obamacare-can%e2%80%99t-help/ http://www.politry.com/2012/05/16/obamacare-can%e2%80%99t-help/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 15:17:21 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1474 Politics is arthritis of the mind.
A range of stimuli keep it interesting.
Soreness morphs into spasms
that subside to stiffness soon
swallowed by an annoying ache.

It knows no end. Intensity may vary,
but the rare day of relative comfort
presages pain, cramps, misery.
The only way the conditions differ —
arthritis is always progressive.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2012/05/16/obamacare-can%e2%80%99t-help/feed/ 0 Politics is arthritis of the mind. A range of stimuli keep it interesting. Soreness morphs into spasms that subside to stiffness soon swallowed by an annoying ache. - It knows no end. Intensity may vary, but the rare day of relative comfort Politics is arthritis of the mind. A range of stimuli keep it interesting. Soreness morphs into spasms that subside to stiffness soon swallowed by an annoying ache. It knows no end. Intensity may vary, but the rare day of relative comfort presages pain, cramps, misery. The only way the conditions differ — arthritis is always progressive. Politry no 42 Secret Weapon http://www.politry.com/2012/04/03/secret-weapon/ http://www.politry.com/2012/04/03/secret-weapon/#comments Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:53:19 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1470 Pundits ponder Romney’s
planning for Bush II’s
inevitable endorsement, but
his campaign staff is busy.

They’re interviewing
film writers and directors,
and auditioning talent for
a dramatic production.

A major chunk of the
campaign’s October budget
will be spent proclaiming
W’s support for Obama.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2012/04/03/secret-weapon/feed/ 0 Pundits ponder Romney’s planning for Bush II’s inevitable endorsement, but his campaign staff is busy. - They’re interviewing film writers and directors, and auditioning talent for a dramatic production. - A major chunk of the Pundits ponder Romney’s planning for Bush II’s inevitable endorsement, but his campaign staff is busy. They’re interviewing film writers and directors, and auditioning talent for a dramatic production. A major chunk of the campaign’s October budget will be spent proclaiming W’s support for Obama. Politry no 33 Wisdom http://www.politry.com/2012/03/20/wisdom/ http://www.politry.com/2012/03/20/wisdom/#comments Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:51:27 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1466 I found more time for books,
relaxing, chatting with friends.
I sleep longer, awake happier,
use more occasions for fun.

This new freedom results
from gaining the discipline
to read what government did,
and ignore what it might do.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2012/03/20/wisdom/feed/ 0 I found more time for books, relaxing, chatting with friends. I sleep longer, awake happier, use more occasions for fun. - This new freedom results from gaining the discipline to read what government did, and ignore what it might do. I found more time for books, relaxing, chatting with friends. I sleep longer, awake happier, use more occasions for fun. This new freedom results from gaining the discipline to read what government did, and ignore what it might do. Politry no 25 A Matter of Emphasis http://www.politry.com/2012/03/07/a-matter-of-emphasis/ http://www.politry.com/2012/03/07/a-matter-of-emphasis/#comments Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:54:41 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1452 While most experts call this the
“great recession,” politicians hoping
to defeat President Obama
seem to think this is a great recession.

Economists recommend investing
in infrastructure to create jobs.
Republicans respond with tax cuts
for corporations to grow profits.

They manage the economy like
I follow the Atkins diet — eat proteins
and fat, but stay away from carbs,
except for bread and desserts.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2012/03/07/a-matter-of-emphasis/feed/ 0 While most experts call this the “great recession,” politicians hoping to defeat President Obama seem to think this is a great recession. - Economists recommend investing in infrastructure to create jobs. Republicans respond with tax cuts While most experts call this the “great recession,” politicians hoping to defeat President Obama seem to think this is a great recession. Economists recommend investing in infrastructure to create jobs. Republicans respond with tax cuts for corporations to grow profits. They manage the economy like I follow the Atkins diet — eat proteins and fat, but stay away from carbs, except for bread and desserts. Politry no 43 And the Oscar Goes to… http://www.politry.com/2012/02/28/and-the-oscar-goes-to%e2%80%a6/ http://www.politry.com/2012/02/28/and-the-oscar-goes-to%e2%80%a6/#comments Wed, 29 Feb 2012 02:59:50 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1447 Michigan voters struggled with
the burning question: is going
to college more dangerous than
contraception? All the while
fearing Mitt might ignite his hair.

Many apparently concluded it
would be a waste of expensive
gas to drive to the polls since it
didn’t appear any Republican
had a chance of being president.

Even political junkies felt the
primary elections Tuesday were
no competition for the premiere
of an inspiring internet program
featuring a Cleveland poet.

(http://vimeo.com/37567787)

]]> http://www.politry.com/2012/02/28/and-the-oscar-goes-to%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 Michigan voters struggled with the burning question: is going to college more dangerous than contraception? All the while fearing Mitt might ignite his hair. - Many apparently concluded it would be a waste of expensive Michigan voters struggled with the burning question: is going to college more dangerous than contraception? All the while fearing Mitt might ignite his hair. Many apparently concluded it would be a waste of expensive gas to drive to the polls since it didn’t appear any Republican had a chance of being president. Even political junkies felt the primary elections Tuesday were no competition for the premiere of an inspiring internet program featuring a Cleveland poet. (http://vimeo.com/37567787) Politry no 45 Give Credit Where It’s Due http://www.politry.com/2012/02/25/give-credit-where-it%e2%80%99s-due/ http://www.politry.com/2012/02/25/give-credit-where-it%e2%80%99s-due/#comments Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:32:11 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1443 When political commercials beset
television, Democrats should run
public service announcements:

“Most political ads appear courtesy
of Supreme Court Justices Roberts,
Kennedy, Scalia, Thomas, and Alito.

“Say thanks — vote Republican.”

]]> http://www.politry.com/2012/02/25/give-credit-where-it%e2%80%99s-due/feed/ 0 When political commercials beset television, Democrats should run public service announcements: “Most political ads appear courtesy of Supreme Court Justices Roberts, Kennedy, Scalia, Thomas, and Alito. - “Say thanks — vote Republican.” When political commercials beset television, Democrats should run public service announcements: “Most political ads appear courtesy of Supreme Court Justices Roberts, Kennedy, Scalia, Thomas, and Alito. “Say thanks — vote Republican.” Politry no 30 A Fool’s Errand http://www.politry.com/2012/02/15/a-fool%e2%80%99s-errand/ http://www.politry.com/2012/02/15/a-fool%e2%80%99s-errand/#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:35:07 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1439 With the tea party discarding
candidates at an alarming rate,
Democrats might need a plan B.
At barrel’s bottom a reluctant
Republican reserve could relent.

Once Nuclear Newt, Murky Mitt
and Righteous Rick are out, Crusty
Chris or Jolly Jeb might be drafted.
Perhaps, with Obama’s luck, neither
would accept. Afraid of winning.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2012/02/15/a-fool%e2%80%99s-errand/feed/ 0 With the tea party discarding candidates at an alarming rate, Democrats might need a plan B. At barrel’s bottom a reluctant Republican reserve could relent. Once Nuclear Newt, Murky Mitt and Righteous Rick are out, Crusty With the tea party discarding candidates at an alarming rate, Democrats might need a plan B. At barrel’s bottom a reluctant Republican reserve could relent. Once Nuclear Newt, Murky Mitt and Righteous Rick are out, Crusty Chris or Jolly Jeb might be drafted. Perhaps, with Obama’s luck, neither would accept. Afraid of winning. Politry no 35 Blessed with Perfect Timing http://www.politry.com/2012/02/08/blessed-with-perfect-timing/ http://www.politry.com/2012/02/08/blessed-with-perfect-timing/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:25:03 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1434 Right wing reactionaries now object
to prescription drug coverage long
required in twenty-eight states.

They say it might infringe on the
religious rights of church affiliated
colleges and hospitals next year.

As luck would have it the fuss helps
distract us from Republicans trying
to increase payroll taxes this month.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2012/02/08/blessed-with-perfect-timing/feed/ 0 Right wing reactionaries now object to prescription drug coverage long required in twenty-eight states. - They say it might infringe on the religious rights of church affiliated colleges and hospitals next year. - Right wing reactionaries now object to prescription drug coverage long required in twenty-eight states. They say it might infringe on the religious rights of church affiliated colleges and hospitals next year. As luck would have it the fuss helps distract us from Republicans trying to increase payroll taxes this month. Politry no 35 Shaky Supporter http://www.politry.com/2012/01/24/shaky-supporter/ http://www.politry.com/2012/01/24/shaky-supporter/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:05:42 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1430 I may not contribute to Obama’s
reelection. The only thing he changed
in DC is his mind. Yes we can was
apparently limited to compromise.

Instead of pleasing me, he wowed
Wall Street, delighted drug makers
and inspired insurers. When he needs
campaign money he can ask them.

Given the Republican candidates,
the president will probably win
without my help, but he’ll need it
if he competes on American Idol.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2012/01/24/shaky-supporter/feed/ 0 I may not contribute to Obama’s reelection. The only thing he changed in DC is his mind. Yes we can was apparently limited to compromise. - Instead of pleasing me, he wowed Wall Street, delighted drug makers and inspired insurers. I may not contribute to Obama’s reelection. The only thing he changed in DC is his mind. Yes we can was apparently limited to compromise. Instead of pleasing me, he wowed Wall Street, delighted drug makers and inspired insurers. When he needs campaign money he can ask them. Given the Republican candidates, the president will probably win without my help, but he’ll need it if he competes on American Idol. Politry no 43 Puzzlement http://www.politry.com/2012/01/21/puzzlement/ http://www.politry.com/2012/01/21/puzzlement/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:19:46 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1426 Republicans have a tough life.
Torn between looks and pugnacity,
philosophy and theology, they’ve
had three elections with as many
winners. Perhaps, as Gingrich did,
they could try for an open marriage.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2012/01/21/puzzlement/feed/ 0 Republicans have a tough life. Torn between looks and pugnacity, philosophy and theology, they’ve had three elections with as many winners. Perhaps, as Gingrich did, they could try for an open marriage. Republicans have a tough life. Torn between looks and pugnacity, philosophy and theology, they’ve had three elections with as many winners. Perhaps, as Gingrich did, they could try for an open marriage. Politry no 23 Recycling Opportunity http://www.politry.com/2012/01/18/recycling-opportunity/ http://www.politry.com/2012/01/18/recycling-opportunity/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:01:06 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1419 It’s bad enough when Republicans
lie about the president being liberal,
but now Democrats are doing it, too.

Pointing to a teetering economy, rickety
financial regulations, troops trickling
home, they say, “See, detectable change!”

Obama’s version of progressive policies
gives smoke and mirrors a bad name,
makes me miss Bush’s bare-faced bull.

Barack’s campaign committee is lucky.
The competition gives it one persuasive,
and fully honest claim: “Not Romney.”

]]> http://www.politry.com/2012/01/18/recycling-opportunity/feed/ 0 It’s bad enough when Republicans lie about the president being liberal, but now Democrats are doing it, too. - Pointing to a teetering economy, rickety financial regulations, troops trickling home, they say, “See, detectable change!” - It’s bad enough when Republicans lie about the president being liberal, but now Democrats are doing it, too. Pointing to a teetering economy, rickety financial regulations, troops trickling home, they say, “See, detectable change!” Obama’s version of progressive policies gives smoke and mirrors a bad name, makes me miss Bush’s bare-faced bull. Barack’s campaign committee is lucky. The competition gives it one persuasive, and fully honest claim: “Not Romney.” Politry no 52 Hobson’s Choice http://www.politry.com/2012/01/11/hobson%e2%80%99s-choice/ http://www.politry.com/2012/01/11/hobson%e2%80%99s-choice/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:25:17 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1413 Republicans seem determined to make
their likely nominee easy to defeat,
by linking him with all we’ve come
to hate about the Wall Street world.

Unfortunately, when we look to see
just who belongs to Romney’s circle
of financial friends the first face
we see has Obama’s friendly grin.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2012/01/11/hobson%e2%80%99s-choice/feed/ 0 Republicans seem determined to make their likely nominee easy to defeat, by linking him with all we’ve come to hate about the Wall Street world. - Unfortunately, when we look to see just who belongs to Romney’s circle Republicans seem determined to make their likely nominee easy to defeat, by linking him with all we’ve come to hate about the Wall Street world. Unfortunately, when we look to see just who belongs to Romney’s circle of financial friends the first face we see has Obama’s friendly grin. Politry no 32 Straw Man to the Rescue? http://www.politry.com/2011/12/07/straw-man-to-the-rescue/ http://www.politry.com/2011/12/07/straw-man-to-the-rescue/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:02:13 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1411 There’s no question that the
Tea Party’s refusal to bargain
causes our current problems,
but there are signs of change.

Polling indicates a possible shift
in political intent. Republicans
appear willing to preserve the
nation by nominating a Newt.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2011/12/07/straw-man-to-the-rescue/feed/ 0 There’s no question that the Tea Party’s refusal to bargain causes our current problems, but there are signs of change. - Polling indicates a possible shift in political intent. Republicans appear willing to preserve the There’s no question that the Tea Party’s refusal to bargain causes our current problems, but there are signs of change. Polling indicates a possible shift in political intent. Republicans appear willing to preserve the nation by nominating a Newt. Politry no 28 Bait and Switch http://www.politry.com/2011/11/28/bait-and-switch-2/ http://www.politry.com/2011/11/28/bait-and-switch-2/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:50:16 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1400 The president should recognize
that compromise is out-of-date.
His governing approach has
failed, so it’s time for change.

Obama may be swapped out
unless he concentrates his skills
on winning control of congress
instead of getting re-elected.

Extolling others will be easier
than trying to justify his record,
and contenders he applauds may
get voters to choose him, too.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2011/11/28/bait-and-switch-2/feed/ 0 The president should recognize that compromise is out-of-date. His governing approach has failed, so it’s time for change. - Obama may be swapped out unless he concentrates his skills on winning control of congress instead of getting re-elected. The president should recognize that compromise is out-of-date. His governing approach has failed, so it’s time for change. Obama may be swapped out unless he concentrates his skills on winning control of congress instead of getting re-elected. Extolling others will be easier than trying to justify his record, and contenders he applauds may get voters to choose him, too. Politry no 40 Accountability http://www.politry.com/2011/11/22/accountability-2/ http://www.politry.com/2011/11/22/accountability-2/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:44:35 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1403 Blame Occupy Wall Street on Barack Obama.
Youth rallied to his guarantee of change,
elected him and Democratic candidates
by large majorities, and watched them quibble.

Instead of repealing policies liberals hate,
the President tried to schmooze the opposition.
He passed some laws, but only after sanding off
any roughness that rankled the Republicans.

He coddled corporations while claiming to reform
the medical system, then buried any benefits
in so much verbal camouflage folks can’t find them.
But next to his financial fix, healthcare was cured.

It may not be fair, but enthusiasm is now despair.
Occupy’s unstated goal is total transformation:
Make this a government for people, not money.
If it won’t take control of Wall Street we will.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2011/11/22/accountability-2/feed/ 0 Blame Occupy Wall Street on Barack Obama. Youth rallied to his guarantee of change, elected him and Democratic candidates by large majorities, and watched them quibble. - Instead of repealing policies liberals hate, Blame Occupy Wall Street on Barack Obama. Youth rallied to his guarantee of change, elected him and Democratic candidates by large majorities, and watched them quibble. Instead of repealing policies liberals hate, the President tried to schmooze the opposition. He passed some laws, but only after sanding off any roughness that rankled the Republicans. He coddled corporations while claiming to reform the medical system, then buried any benefits in so much verbal camouflage folks can’t find them. But next to his financial fix, healthcare was cured. It may not be fair, but enthusiasm is now despair. Occupy’s unstated goal is total transformation: Make this a government for people, not money. If it won’t take control of Wall Street we will. Politry no 1:14 The Duncan Theory http://www.politry.com/2011/11/09/the-duncan-theory/ http://www.politry.com/2011/11/09/the-duncan-theory/#comments Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:15:03 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1390 Three years ago the nation surged
toward the Democratic party – hard.
Last year it fell way back – harder.

This year a few states rejected new
Republican efforts to reduce voting,
union, and reproductive rights.

Some pundits call this a pendulum
effect, I say poor civics education
created a generation of yo-yo voters.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2011/11/09/the-duncan-theory/feed/ 0 http://www.politry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/The-Duncan-Theory.mp3 Three years ago the nation surged toward the Democratic party – hard. Last year it fell way back – harder. - This year a few states rejected new Republican efforts to reduce voting, union, and reproductive rights. - Three years ago the nation surged toward the Democratic party – hard. Last year it fell way back – harder. This year a few states rejected new Republican efforts to reduce voting, union, and reproductive rights. Some pundits call this a pendulum effect, I say poor civics education created a generation of yo-yo voters. Politry no 37 Pitiful Prognosis http://www.politry.com/2011/11/02/pitiful-prognosis/ http://www.politry.com/2011/11/02/pitiful-prognosis/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 22:07:16 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1386 Conventional wisdom says Obama
will lose. His disappointed base may
not volunteer, contribute or even vote.

Democratic politicians he’s neglected
aren’t likely to be surrogates. Reelection
is rare with unemployment this high.

Obama’s only real opportunity to win
seems to lie in raising lots of money
to spend on Perry’s primary campaign.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2011/11/02/pitiful-prognosis/feed/ 0 Conventional wisdom says Obama will lose. His disappointed base may not volunteer, contribute or even vote. - Democratic politicians he’s neglected aren’t likely to be surrogates. Reelection is rare with unemployment this high. Conventional wisdom says Obama will lose. His disappointed base may not volunteer, contribute or even vote. Democratic politicians he’s neglected aren’t likely to be surrogates. Reelection is rare with unemployment this high. Obama’s only real opportunity to win seems to lie in raising lots of money to spend on Perry’s primary campaign. Politry no Ephemerality http://www.politry.com/2011/10/30/ephemerality/ http://www.politry.com/2011/10/30/ephemerality/#comments Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:29:42 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1382 All political advertising deceives,
and the law says that’s okay.
No surprise, the ads and the laws
originate with the same folks.

We can begin to get rid of some,
and neutralize the effect of money
on elections, if we will just ignore
all campaign TV commercials.

That shouldn’t be difficult if we
remember that selecting candidates
because we like what they say is like
picking a spouse for their hair color.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2011/10/30/ephemerality/feed/ 0 All political advertising deceives, and the law says that’s okay. No surprise, the ads and the laws originate with the same folks. - We can begin to get rid of some, and neutralize the effect of money on elections, if we will just ignore All political advertising deceives, and the law says that’s okay. No surprise, the ads and the laws originate with the same folks. We can begin to get rid of some, and neutralize the effect of money on elections, if we will just ignore all campaign TV commercials. That shouldn’t be difficult if we remember that selecting candidates because we like what they say is like picking a spouse for their hair color. Politry no Metaphors Matter http://www.politry.com/2011/10/21/metaphors-matter/ http://www.politry.com/2011/10/21/metaphors-matter/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:55:23 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1380 We used to call a good education
the first rung on the ladder of success.

Nicholas Kristof says it’s “the most
reliable escalator out of poverty.”

This New York Times columnist
recognizes the impact of obesity.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2011/10/21/metaphors-matter/feed/ 0 We used to call a good education the first rung on the ladder of success. - Nicholas Kristof says it’s “the most reliable escalator out of poverty.” - This New York Times columnist recognizes the impact of obesity. We used to call a good education the first rung on the ladder of success. Nicholas Kristof says it’s “the most reliable escalator out of poverty.” This New York Times columnist recognizes the impact of obesity. Politry no Our Wheels Squeak http://www.politry.com/2011/10/19/our-wheels-squeak/ http://www.politry.com/2011/10/19/our-wheels-squeak/#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:43:26 +0000 Ken http://www.politry.com/?p=1376 Occupy Wall Street
elicits the usual response.
Republicans over-simplify,
call it a mob. Democrats
search for list of goals.

Getting in the face of those
who appropriate everything
might be the objective.
The message: ignore our
rightful needs at your peril.

]]> http://www.politry.com/2011/10/19/our-wheels-squeak/feed/ 0 Occupy Wall Street elicits the usual response. Republicans over-simplify, call it a mob. Democrats search for list of goals. Getting in the face of those who appropriate everything might be the objective. The message: ignore our Occupy Wall Street elicits the usual response. Republicans over-simplify, call it a mob. Democrats search for list of goals. Getting in the face of those who appropriate everything might be the objective. The message: ignore our rightful needs at your peril. Politry no