I CAN'T, YOU WON'T !
A message for those who:
Deny medical resources to the millions of us who suffer and die
needlessly.
Send our men and women to be killed and maimed but will not
respect the truth and value of their lives.
Validate the acts of torture by negating our laws and the victims while protecting those who criminally sanctioned and executed the orders.
*****************
I cannot compose a different message
With words not already written
I cannot embark upon the same, old rutted road
Shod in the same shoes, but now with holes in my soul
I cannot share with you the path
Of a journey you've never traveled
I cannot reach out and draw you closer
Because you only cower and scurry into the darkness
I cannot hear any words of compassion and understanding
Amidst the lies of your deafening rhetoric
But, IF I were to beseech you one more time, I would ask....
When you say your prayers .....
Do you acknowledge that in this moment it is you who has the power
to heal the sick, stop the pain and right the wrongs?
When you turn away, is it because.....
You and yours do not suffer from untended wounds, needs unfulfilled
and rights denied?
Yet, I really have no need to ask,as I already know....
Because of you and yours
Too many more lives will be, as too many have already been
Shattered into jagged fragments, never again able to form a whole
Not only our bodies....
But also our nation will continue to suffer
As you deny the balm of healing
To sustain your own being
But if you were to ask me
I cannot lie......
So with voice sure and strong
Without hesitation or equivocation
I would tell you that my greatest fear
Is not terrorists from afar
It is the chaos and destruction
Wrought by You and Yours
********************
We cannot succumb to their hate, but instead must continue our surrender to the love for our country as we continue the ongoing battle to secure equality and fairness for all who share our homeland and beyond.
Pass a Positive Healthcare Public Option
Stop Don't Ask Don't Tell
Demand Truth and Consequences for those who enacted Torture!
Together we can and we will!
See Auntie, this is sooooooooooo damn good people are speechless. I am afraid I can not be that courteous this PM:
I cannot embark upon the same, old rutted road
Shod in the same shoes, but now with holes in my soul
Sweetheart I must render unto you the Dayly Poetess of the Day Award for this here TPMCafe Site, given to all of you from all of me.
This is sooooooo good, I must ponder it further.
August 16, 2009 2:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
dd,
After reading Missy's post yesterday and watching our President at a town hall, as well as all the heartfelt stories of so many wonderful people who have suffered (and continue to needlessly) - and all the self serving blather of the politicos who care not an iota about anyone but themselves, it just was too much. I had to vent.
Dammit dd, people are dying and families shattered all because of greed and selfishness of those who already have more than most and would rather spend a hundred dollars for a meal at a fancy restaurant than contribute to others in need. It really does make me sick, no pun intended.
Thank you for the kind words and award. You are too kind and I adore you.
August 16, 2009 2:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Moving, Aunt Sam.
You have a way of converting raw emotion into words without losing anything in the translation; if anything, that emotion gains resonance in the process.
Emotional intellectual and soulful--rare to have them all wrapped in the same gift.
I think we have a longing for poetry right now. Too much pontification, rationalization, intellectualization has snuffed out our humanity. It has fogged up our social consciousness.
Our conversation has become so layered with rhetoric that no one really knows what anyone is saying anymore--we are all conditioned to respond, retaliate, react, especially with the advent of the interwebs, in which opinion and talking points are fired off non-stop, as if from a gatling gun.
Like pinballs, ricocheting.
Where has the power of reflection gone?
Our leaders communicate like corporations, not people. Fat wallets are doing most of the talking and interrupting and hammering. Light wallets can't even get a word in edgewise. And when they do, that word is written by lobbyists.
How do we expect to arrive at anything remotely insightful while we're all whirling around on this carousel of madness and mindlessness?
August 16, 2009 3:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
How we go on with insight and strength to achieve our goal is not to let the deflection and muddying of the process be what we concentrate on in the moment.
Sadly, too many are spending all their energy on defense and not where it belongs, on offense!
I'm very emotional and focused about this right now, because it's critical for most if we are to achieve a better future and quality of life.
The bully brigade is winning because their blather has become the topic, rather than the cause! In my opinion at least.
Gary, so appreciate your comment.
August 16, 2009 4:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ya' know . . .
All I can say is this . . .
Great post Auntie . . .
~OGD~
August 16, 2009 8:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bravo Aunt Sam, an arrow of truth to the heart of stone,where hopefully it will shatter the hard shell and allow the heart of flesh to beat again, in compassion. Thank you, your arrow has found it's mark in me too.
August 16, 2009 4:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
DonDi,
Thank you. I hope we can draw back our bows and shoot some arrows of compassion into those who I'm no longer sure even have a heart.
I didn't think I could be any more outraged than I was at some of the lies and mudslinging that have already occurred, but I was wrong. I am so outraged at those who use their lies to justify their wrongs I'm trying not to engage in negative verbiage and actions too. Your comment has helped me somewhat refocus. Again, I appreciate.
August 16, 2009 4:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
It always amazes me what horrors these so called God fearing Republicans can bring on to us all.
August 16, 2009 4:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm no longer amazed at what the bully brigade does, but am both amazed and appalled at how many give them credence. That, to me, is the most troubling.
Hyperbole is being accepted as factual representations of the processes and characters of others.
We have to stay on message and on track!
(Tell Murry hi please!)
August 16, 2009 4:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Aunt Sam, I'm one of those speechless ones. I can't think of a single word that could top what you've just written.
Bravo!
August 16, 2009 5:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ah Ramona,
I am heartsick now at the news that President Obama is supposedly willing to drop the public option. I'm stunned. What's your take?
Thank you for your comment, it means a lot and soothes my frayed nerves.
August 16, 2009 6:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Aunt Sam, that was beautiful. I am concerned about the holes in the soul of our country. Especially those who walk around on others with diamonds on the soles of their shoes.
This says it all:
That first part...about not being able to lie is what distinguishes you from the fearmongers who foment the chaos and destruction.
Brava Aunt Sam!
August 16, 2009 6:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
CVille,
I am so upset right now, I cannot put together coherent thoughts - IF Obama does go along to get along, well...... it will only increase me fear as it seems he's done so much capitulation and they are already shouting victory. I just keep remembering all of those who I discounted when they wondered if he was strong enough, et al.
So appreciate your words.
August 16, 2009 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you Aunt Sam. You express our loss so tenderly; I appreciate your heartbreaking poem and post, as it exposes the tragedy of selfish deeds and our hopes for justice at once.
Last Monday, my son-in-law got severely injured in a bicycle accident. He was training for a marathon, going fast down the hill, lost control and hit the cement base of a light pole. He will recover (I hope) with help, but also with a major load of uninsured deductibles to pay. And to think of his bodily pain – he was wearing a helmet but still experienced a head injury, broken jaw, dislocated elbow, arm broken in two places. Two surgeries, long term recovery…
These are young folks, the ones who can’t afford the full coverage from insurance companies. He’s in his last year of college, she’s working. They will be paying this off for years and years. Yes, they were insured but now have formally joined the ranks of the underinsured, in major medical debt, and suffering.
We’re all in shock about how the world goes upside down so quickly. We really need the Public Option, so at least people have one. The human condition applies to everyone, as you so beautifully implore.
August 16, 2009 6:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Strato,
I am so sorry. I hope and pray for his full recovery!
Yes, in seconds, our personal worlds can be devastated. And the most horrific is that the devastation can be minimized by resources We, The People, can provide - but sadly, too many who have the most do not consider any others wellbeing but their own.
If only I could, I would .........
Take care of you and yours!
August 16, 2009 6:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you so much for your kindness. We will survive this.
I still want that public option and dammit so do a lot of other people!
Obama must not capitulate!
August 16, 2009 6:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Aunt Sam, this is so amazing that even I understood it!
In particular, these four lines succinctly sum up this "Christian" nation after 30 years of living under a Republican philosophy:
Terrorism, in perspective, killed 3000 people and destroyed some real estate in one day eight years ago. It is not the reason why 100,000 + people die in the US each year from lack of health care. Like you, terrorism is the least of my concerns. Those worried more about the harm from terrorism than the inequities of capitalism haunt this nation day and night.
August 16, 2009 10:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
And there ya go....
I hope you post blog on this! Please. Soon. Very Soon!
Thanks!
August 16, 2009 10:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Aunt Sam, you want me to blog about your poem?!?!? Thank you! I wish I was able to write like that, but alas and alack, I can't. Usually I can't even understand poems.
Meanwhile, if you're into reading Twain...
Did you know that he briefly worked as a secretary for a Senator? His job only lasted two months. This may have been because he didn't always follow directions. For instance, an Episcopal Church wanted to be incorporated in Nevada, a new state to the Union. The Senator instructed Twain to inform the writer that he should take the matter up with the state legislature. Here is how Twain interpreted those instructions:
Where is Twain now when we need him?
August 17, 2009 12:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
Flower
I want u to blog about what you stated:
'Terrorism, in perspective, killed 3000 people and destroyed some real estate in one day eight years ago. It is not the reason why 100,000 + people die in the US each year from lack of health care. Like you, terrorism is the least of my concerns. Those worried more about the harm from terrorism than the inequities of capitalism haunt this nation day and night.'
So valid and helps with perspective. Brilliant of you actually. PULEEZE!
And I love Twain. So pithy and direct!
August 17, 2009 12:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Now you want me to blog as Flower? Really, Aunt Sam!!! I think we have rules about plagiarizing and/or impersonating! :-)
Just teasing. Thanks for explaining, though. I couldn't figure out what you meant. Glad you liked the Twain. He cracks me up.
August 17, 2009 1:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry, I'm a bit scattered after today and the report about Obama abandoning public option (hopefully false)!
SEASHELL! Geez, I hope Flower doesn't see this.
Now, start your blog!
August 17, 2009 1:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oops! Saw it! Just now. This is weird, Auntie. While you were asking Seashell (mistaking her for me) to blog about the terrrrrsts from afar, I was blogging about the terrrrrsts of the home-grown variety.
Are we all humming along on the same wave length or something?
;o)
Rec'd, btw. Yesterday in the A.M.
August 17, 2009 10:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
Too funny. I had just gotten done reading and rec'ing your post so you were on my mind.
Hope Seashell does post on this!
You know, they say great minds and all that....
Blessings!
August 17, 2009 10:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Many more suffered and died under the inequities of Communism. It is not just the Capitalist system that creates haves and have nots, it is every system. Some people are lazy, some are industrious. Some are clever, some are dim. Some are ruthless, some are kind. There is no way you will ever achieve 'equality', since people are not equal. It is interesting that people always point to others with more than themselves as the villian, as if it is solely their responsibility to provide for those that they identified as being in need. Stop being good liberals playing Santa Claus with other peoples money, start using your own.
August 17, 2009 8:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
Care to clarify your rant? Perhaps illuminating the correlation between your comment and the specific topic being discussed would deliver the ability for a on point response.
Thanks.
August 17, 2009 10:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
It is interesting that people always point to others with more than themselves as the villian, as if it is solely their responsibility to provide for those that they identified as being in need.
I was pointing to flaws in an economic system, unless you are referring to yourself. In that case, why do you think that you have more than I?
August 17, 2009 1:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you for the post, I truly enjoyed its resonance. I reminded me of the raw elements in The War Prayer by Mark Twain.
I wonder...how do you will empathy in others?
August 16, 2009 11:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nature v. Nurture? Hmmm. I was fortunate to have a mother who preached and practiced generosity of spirit in everyway.
Sadly, for the majority, it takes an up close and personal experience - one that impacts them or theirs directly before they can truly understand (or even care). i.e. Don't worry or believe in donating organs until either they or someone they care about needs an organ transplant.
We all become somewhat insulated - our experiences and environment impact how most view the world.
I don't think you can make someone feel empathy or even responsibility for well being of others. If there is a way or even dare I say a pill that would do this, I'd order a bushel and start spiking some lattes and beers!
Thanks for comment - now I have to go read The War Prayer!
Blessings!
August 17, 2009 12:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
I cannot hear any words of compassion and understanding
Amidst the lies of your deafening rhetoric
Yez, not a single word of compassion. "By your deeds you will know them." Yes, their deeds do tell me who they truly are, and your deeds also disclose who you are, and isn't it amazing to share a name with them and be so different.
Thanks for the post. Very provacative, but not offensively so.
August 17, 2009 2:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
Boy have you got your priorities straight!
August 17, 2009 10:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
And my dear, because of all your work on the torture issue, you definitely impacted my priorities. You built awareness and as they say, pushed me to stand up and speak out about this issue.
And I thank you. Greatly.
August 17, 2009 10:48 AM | Reply | Permalink