
This Norman Rockwell painting appeared in Look magazine in 1968.
It is titled “The Right to Know.” Here is the caption:
We are the governed, but we govern too. Assume our love of country, for it is only the simplest of self-love. Worry little about our strength, for we have our history to show for it.
And because we are strong, there are others who have hope. But watch closely from now on, for those of us who stand here mean to watch those we put in the seats of power.
And listen to us, you who lead, for we are listening harder for the truth that you have not always offered us.
Your voice must be ours, and ours speaks of cities that are not safe, and of wars we do not want, of poor in a land of plenty, and of a world that will not take the shape our arms would give it.
We are not fierce, and the truth will not frighten us. Trust us, for we have given you our trust. We are the governed, remember, but we govern too.
where’s the parade
for the regular Joes
the everyday Janes
solid citizens
leading their lives
without drama
pursuing the dream
not illusions
seeking modestly
quiet contentment
respecting the rules
stoically struggling
to hurdle the obstacles
wantonly thrown
with ruling class glee
in their paths by a
government grown
to an insular bloat
disconnected from
people who bear
all the weight
of a civilized upright
exceptional nation
for they are the
spine of republic
(originally posted November 2013)
OH yeah! Paul, you’ve said it so well. This is an important poem. Submit it someplace.
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thanks, Maggie – I will include it in my 3rd book – the 2nd is already going to print
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Well spoken!
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thank you kindly
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welcome!
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You have summed up the situation beautifully and completely. Thank you.
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your comment is greatly appreciated
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Oh YEAH!!!
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much appreciated
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Where indeed!? Loved this.
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so glad you did
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Excellent words, Paul.
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thanks dearly
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Reblogged this on Poesy plus Polemics.
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It’s not so much the government that is the problem but of the 1 percent – such as the Koch brothers who believe that their fair share is all of it – who have used their inherited wealth to generate even more; and have used that wealth to both fund right wing propaganda groups to influence and induce conservative voters to vote against their own interests – just as those on the left have done – and to capture politicians who do their bidding instead of serving the best interests of the people. Our democratic republic has become little more than a sham and under the influence of the moneyed class has morphed into an Oligarchy.
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I appreciate your thoughtful comments
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Your welcome! 🙂
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Well said Sir.
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cheers
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‘the regular Joes & the everyday Janes’ are now driving around in Mercedes SUVs and Diesel powered Ford F350s, bought on credit and filled up and out on the road thanks to Master Card; living in mansions they cannot afford on working man’s salaries and sending their kids to expensive universities to get educations beyond their abilities in hope of jobs they will never find . . . The middle class, like Esau, has sold its birthright for a mess of pottage . . .
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don’t be so bashful – just come out and say how you feel
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I like this. 😉
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thanks kindly
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Reblogged this on OUR POETRY CORNER.
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thank you for sharing my poem with your readers
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The regular Joes and Janes have gotten pushed down, pushed under–will they return full-strength? Much prayer needed. Fabulous poetry, as per usual.
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all I know is that I’m certainly down for the count
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Me too–all but for the praying.
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Saved the best for last-
“who bear
all the weight
of a civilized upright
exceptional nation
for they are the
spine of republic”
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yes, indeed
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Your poetry goes so well with the Norman Rockwell painting and the words. You speak truly but not with a sharp sword edge. Beautiful.
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thank you for the kind compliments
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