Massachusetts Primaries (Special Election Edition)

This is an election day in Massachusetts... Go!
 Current expectation is for turnout to be low.

We have got a Senate seat that we have got to fill

Even though Mo Cowan has agreed to stay until

We get through this process - like the Primaries today.

Democrats lean Markey but the GOP's in play.

Mostly because Gomez and Mike Sullivan are close;

Sullivan's more qualified but Gabriel's verbose...

Very like a Scott Brown clone; he's handsome and seems nice.

Our Republicans have hopes that formula works twice.

So, I'm off to do my civic duty...  You should too

If you live in Massachusetts it's the thing to do.

Syria - What Do You Do When All of Your Options Suck?

(Photo/Slate.com)

Assad's using Sarin gas - or so it would appear.

Evidence, they're saying, isn't absolutely clear.

Assad told the UN they could look but changed his mind,

Indicating he's afraid of what they're gonna find.

President Obama said that gas would cross a line;

(I guess bombing your civilian population's fine)

John McCain, and others, say that line has now been crossed

Thus, we have to arm the rebels, never mind the cost.

You can't guarantee which way a well-armed rebel aims.

When it turns to civil war, guess who the region blames.

I think, first, we need to get the Russians on our side.

Only way to do that is to prove Assad has lied.

Give AID to the countries where most Syrians have fled;

Make sure they have shelter, clothes, and water - that they're fed.

Prove guilt beyond shadow of a doubt before we start

Interfering as a country tears itself apart.

28 of 30

Today, seems the well has run dry.

Although I've tried very hard I

Have nothing to say

That's not a cliche'

But here is my old college try.

30 Days of Rhymes

Figures.

30 poems - 30 days...  There's just a couple more.

Probably that's just as well since it's become a chore.

Weekdays there's no competition for computer time;

Weekends I must get in line to try and post a rhyme.

Dear NaPoWriMo... Not A Haiku

An illness has caused me to rhyme.

Today, though, I don't have the time.

A poet, like you,

Writes lovely haiku

While I find a lim'rick sublime.

The Smoking Non-Gun

Thermal image of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev hiding in a boat last Friday night.

Spent the week insisting law enforcement is the best;

Everyone has heard the tapes of Friday night's arrest,

Told ourselves how brave we were; that we were "Boston Strong."

Story that was told to us - apparently - was wrong.

'though the car he stole was only blocks from where he hid,
Thousands of our finest searched and couldn't find the kid.

Made it less than half a mile once he began to run.
Cops have torn his route apart; they didn't find a gun.

Once the owner of the boat got searchers back on track,

We were told Dzhokhar shot at them; officers shot back.

Bullets flew, explosions lit the sky - but now it seems

All those rounds were fired by police and their SWAT teams.

I can't say I blame the State Police or FBI;

Tamerlan proved that the brothers were prepared to die.

Job description doesn't list "Infallible" for cop...

But, this self-congratulating stuff? It's time to stop.

Poison Letters

Searching the home of an Elvis impersonator  for evidence of poison. (Photo/news.yahoo.com)

I may wield a poison pen but, ricin in the mail?

Two attempts to kill someone...  Assassination fail. 

President Obama, Roger Wicker... D.C.'s tense.

Sending ricin through the mail's a capital offense.

Terrorism's cowardly, but poison's even worse

(Near as bad as politics expressed in lousy verse)

FBI released the man whose name was on the note;

Someone framed the guy to be a sacrificial goat.

Seems things come in clusters: Boston, Canada - now, this. 

So far we have caught the letters; pray that we don't miss.

'though, from front-row seats inside a Boston neighborhood,

Let me reassure you all - the FBI is good.

Across the Pond - Putin's Protestors

Now that's the kind of protest a dictator can appreciate. (Photo/Spiegel.de)

Putin was in Germany; 3 women rushed the stage,

Calling him a "Dictator" in voices filled with rage.

Putin never heard them - something else had caught his eye.

All 3 topless women got a "thumbs up" from the guy.

That's the kind of protest Mr. Putin doesn't mind;

Nearly naked women...  Better than the other kind.

Not that many Russians, nowadays, feel very free.

Putin's still surrounded by the former KGB.

Dissidents who don't believe that Putin's doing great

Haven't fared too well, at all, in Russia as of late.

Don't know what it is that they can do...  They're kinda stuck.

If you aren't a topless woman, you are out of luck.

The Boston Marathon - "Book Him, Danno"

Bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev wrestled for Cambridge Rindge & Latin. My eldest was at this match... Different weight class. (Photo/BostonHerald.com)

Friends of Boston's bombing suspect - shocked by recent news -

Can't believe Islamic martyrdom's a fate he'd choose.

Cambridge Rindge & Latin classmates say their friend,  Dzhokhar,

Was a scholar, stoner, and a high-school wrestling star.

Popular with fellow students; never gave a clue

Bombing Boston's Marathon was anything he'd do.

FBI has questions for him - before rights are read.

Dzhokhar tried to kill himself but shot his throat instead.

Looks like he'll stay silent now; forget Miranda Rights.

Any statements from Dzhokhar will be the ones he writes.

 John McCain and Lindsey Graham say he's an enemy;

Want to take away protections granted you and me.

I think it's a bad idea and isn't Boston's style.

Even British redcoats got a fair and open trial.

Kudos to our law enforcement; well and bravely done.

Please don't stumble at the end or terrorism's won.

NaPoWriMo Fortune Cookie Prompt

 

Help! I am a prisoner inside this factory.

If you get this message in your cookie with your tea

Please alert authorities to come and set me free.

I'd be very grateful to you. 

Most sincerely, 

Me.

A Hell of a Week

Following his arrest, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is treated for serious injuries received during a shoot out with police. (Photo/Telegraph)

In Boston - a hell of a week.

The terrorist suspects we seek

Are dead or arrested

Now we're interested

In shipping Dzhokhar up the creek.

The Boston Marathon: The Finish Line Is In Sight

Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev; the Boston Marathon bombing suspects.

Boston suburbs' residents are asked to stay inside;

Suspect number 2 is on the run and needs to hide.

FBI put photos out and, now, know who they are.

Suspect number 1 is dead and 2 won't get too far.

Sadly, on their way to Hell, they took another life.

Boston massacre without the British, drums, or fife.

Officer shot in his car; he worked for MIT.

One more senseless death they've added to the other 3.

Turns out Suspects 1 and 2 are brothers who live here.

Suspect 2, the white hat guy, whose facial shots were clear;

Recognized by classmates; he's from Cambridge...  Just a kid.

Immigrants from Chechnya...  Could that be why they did

Such a stupid, evil thing? Perhaps we'll never know.

I believe we'll find him 'cause he's got no where to go

But, I do not think the boy's intending to survive

Making it quite difficult to capture him alive.

The 113th Congress and The Golden Rule

The Manchin-Toomey Amendment called for background checks and required 60 votes to pass.  (Photo/Mercury News)

NRA is quite relieved; their Senators stayed bought.

Voted not to implement reforms the country sought.

Politics as usual; the famous Golden Rule...

If you've got enough of it, the Congress is your tool.

Lobbyists with money tell the Congress how to vote -

Wishes of the population given little note.

This, in my opinion, is a national disgrace.

One I hope we don't forget in the next Senate race.

I Need A Break

(Photo/Plymouth.edu)

I've been glued to television; sickened by the news...

Going to New Hampshire to be soothed by mountain views.

Cannot watch this tragedy rehashed, again, today.

Tired of the talking heads and what they have to say.

Have to skip the tributes 'cause they only make me cry.

There is nothing I can do to help the FBI.

I'll be sending money to a local guy who lost

Both his legs on Monday - which still won't defray his cost.

That - and offer up my prayers - it's all that I can do

And, as a lapsed Catholic, my prayers may not go through.

So, I'm going to the mountains where I'll be up high

Praying for the victims and that we will catch this guy.

The Boston Marathon Tragedy

Thank you for the prayers.  (Photo/CNN)

Two devices detonated in the Boston crowd;

Bomber killed an 8 year old.  I hope the bastard's proud.

First was at the Finish Line; the second, down the block.

Here in Massachusetts we're still in a state of shock.

Witnesses described it as a loud, percussive thud...

Thought it was a celebration - then they saw the blood.

First responders to the scene arrived in seconds flat;

Faster than the runners who won olive for a hat.

I don't know how many lives they saved, but 3 were lost.

Can't begin to calculate the pain these bombs will cost.

Near the victory bridge - in April breezes - flags unfurled...

Boston  mourns explosions that sent shock-waves 'round the world.

 

The 117th Boston Marathon

(Photo/Matthew Wilkinson)

It's the Boston Marathon today and thousands run.

I will never understand the folks who think it's fun.

I have driven Heartbreak Hill and, even on a bike,

Those poor runners have to face a really daunting hike.

I'm more like Pheidippides; the first from Marathon,

Ran to tell Athenians the Persian threat was gone.

Once he gasped the tidings out, Pheidippides dropped dead:

Heart stopped beating, lungs collapsed.  He should have stayed in bed.

Then these crazy people wouldn't have to run so far.

I believe, today, Pheidippides would use a car.

I'll be on my couch - the TV on - when they begin.

If you're laying bets then pick the Kenyan guy to win.

Later...
My thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured or killed by the bombings at the finish line.

And You Thought My Rhymes Were Bad?

If it's video games that rot your mind, what's my excuse?

The boys - on vacation again -

Are sprawled everywhere in the den;

Invited their friends.

Their mother intends

To hide. There's too many young men.

Fat Envelopes

Congratulations darlin' boy.

Eldest got accepted to the college of his choice,

Giving both his mom and dad a reason to rejoice.

School is not too far away; an hour, maybe two.

Offers Criminal Justice, which is what he wants to do.

He will get to wrestle - which will really please his dad.

He will have to move away - which makes his mother sad.

Doesn't seem to phase the boy at all; he thinks it's great.

He can hardly wait until he gets to Plymouth State.

Nobody Likes a Budget

President Obama and his Acting Budget Director, Jeffrey Zients. ( Photo/Pete Souza/White House)

President Obama sent his budget to The Hill.

This time it's the Democrats his big ideas don't thrill.

Not to say Republicans are happy with the thing,

But the words that Liberals are using have to sting.

House put out a budget, too.  The Senate has its own...

Difficulties reconciling can't be overblown.

President Obama made attempts to compromise.

Now we'll get to see if Speaker Boehner even tries.

No one's really happy; that's how compromises work.

(I'm ignoring Mitch McConnell - I think he's a jerk.)

I sure hope No Labels and the Gangs of 6 and 8

Keep on making progress, 'cause the hour groweth late.

The 113th Congress - The Company We Keep

Is this really who we want to associate ourselves with?

Here's a piece of irony; the "Evil Axis" grew.

Guess who their new member is.  That would be me and you.

North Korea, Syria, Iran...  United States?

Do we want to join the countries everybody hates?

UN passed a resolution regulating arms;

Aimed at keeping weapons from a terrorist who harms

Innocent civilians in pursuance of his cause.

If there's a "no-brainer" than this resolution was.

US voted for it but our Senators will not

Ratify this treaty.  Seems the GOP forgot

We are known to others by the company we keep.

Evil Axis members - every one of them a creep -

Those are not the kind of people I'd consider friends.

If we choose to side with them, the GOP extends

Them an invitation; 'though, they aren't a friend of mine...

Neither are those politicians who refuse to sign.

Outlawing Knives

Mitch McConnell and 13 others are threatening to filibuster a gun bill. | John Shinkle/POLITICO

Students injured at a Texas university;

Lunatic stabbed every, single person he could see.

Or, at least, the ones that he could catch; he had a knife.

14 people injured; 2 are fighting for their life.

'Now they'll want to outlaw knives, as well,' a Tweeter said.

But, unlike with guns - so far, at least - nobody's dead.

If the man had brought a gun instead, I guarantee

We'd be watching body counts, again, on our TV.

4 months after Sandy Hook; it's time the Senate votes.

GOP should be aware that we are taking notes.

Even the Amendment says "well regulated" guns.

Get your act together or we're sending in the nuns.

The 113th Congress and the Newtown Parents

Newtown parents joined the President on Air Force One,

Vowing they will never rest until their battle's won;

Flying down to Washington to lobby on the Hill;

Fighting for reforms the NRA would like to kill.

Universal background checks which, most of us agree,

Make good sense and is a measure we'd all like to see

May not pass the Senate which will, seemingly, ignore

Changes that the vast majority are asking for.

How did things get so messed up that it's the NRA

With the only voice that seems to ever get a say?

Newtown parents - those who've buried daughters, wives, and sons -

Speak with more authority on legislating guns.

The Boston Red Sox - The 2013 Home Opener

We're all pink hats for the Home Opener. (Photo/Cognoscenti)

It's a perfect, springtime day for crowds on Yawkey Way;

Faithful fans who've come to watch the Boston Red Sox play.

It's the team's Home Opener - they're currently in 1st -

And, to make it sweeter, New York's Yankees tied for worst.

Expectations are not high for how our season ends

(And that was before we see if Lackey's "bicep" mends.)

Farrell has his work cut out as he rebuilds the team...

Even so, that doesn't mean a "pink hat" fan can't dream.

Yes, I know that baseball season's barely even started.

That it's likely, come October, I'll be broken-hearted.

But it is enough for me, this early April day,

That my 1st place Red Sox are returning to Fenway.

NaPoWriMo - Do Rhymes Count?

 

I am not a poetess, as I've already said.

I've just got these rhyming words that echo in my head.

I do not want poets feeling sad on my account,

But I have to ask; do silly rhymes deserve to count?

Not A Poet

1st Degree Word Butchery

I cannot write poetry because I'm not profound;

Dr. Seussilitis left me mentally unsound.

Meaning I'm incapable of anything but rhymes.

My attempts at poetry are classified as crimes.

Dear Secretary Kerry... Unsolicited Advice for North Korea

Kim Jong-un keeps ramping up the tensions overseas:

Making plans for bringing Austin, Texas to its knees,

Opening reactors, shutting down a factory,

Threatening to launch a missile if we don't agree.

Seems he wants the sanctions lifted, so he's talking tough.

If the man were rational I'd swear it's all a bluff,

But he doesn't strike me as a very stable guy.

Doesn't seem to care that we could blow Pyongyang sky high.

How are we supposed to deal with someone who's a loon?

Maybe we should send in Dennis Rodman pretty soon.

He can speak the language; he's established a rapport.

Our Marines could land him on the North Korean's shore.

Dennis could explain to Kim Jong-un the basic facts;

Talking tough is one thing, but if North Korea acts,

It will be the Russians and the Chinese who are mad

And they might arrange a swift reunion with his dad.

The 113th Congress - Paycuts?

President Obama and his Cabinet are taking voluntary paycuts.  (Photo/Digitriad.com)

President Obama volunteered to cut his pay,

And Chuck Hagel also made that gesture yesterday...

Showing solidarity with people who've been hurt

Due to sequestration cuts.  Does Congress feel like dirt?

Doesn't seem to be the case...  Their pay has not been cut,

Whether they are working hard or sitting on their butt.

I think, as incentive, with the Congress so dead-locked

If they do not do their jobs, their paychecks should be docked.

They would have to prove they'd made one compromise that day;

Listened, open-minded, to what their opponents say.

They should have to do the work we sent them there to do.

I've signed the petition; click this link and you can too.

The 113th Congress - Who Are You Working For, Anyway?

Pistol packin' teachers stationed in the nation's schools;

That's the only change the NRA wants to the rules.

They'll agree to background checks for teachers who are armed...

After all, they wouldn't care to see more children harmed.

That is the extent of any changes that they want.

NRA has always had the influence to daunt

Any politician who attempts to compromise

'cause Wayne LaPierre, their spokesman, stoops to spreading lies.

They're opposed to background checks; they call them registries.

Say we'll come to take their guns away but, honey, please...

That is simply crazy talk. There are no men in black.

We just need a change after the Sandy Hook attack.

Most of us want background checks; that seems the place to start.

We want mental health professionals to play a part.

If the Congress represents The People's will, then they

Need to show us they're not working for the NRA.

Across the Pond - North Korea; Tin Pot Saber Rattling

(Photo/English.teamuseum.cn)

Hear that tin-pot clanking sound? That's saber rattling.

It has grown so loud I think it's woken up Beijing.

Causing some alarm in South Korea and - what for?

Kim Jong-un's declared his country's in a state of war.

Hard to tell how serious the North Koreans are,

But I think they may have pushed it just a bit too far.

South Korea's President has said her country will

Go to war if they're attacked...  A thought that doesn't thrill

China or the Russians - not to mention the U.S.

Is Kim Jong-un listening?  That's anybody's guess.

So far it's been only words - this time - no overt acts,

And there are some hopeful signs he's finally facing facts:

People in his country are severely under-fed.

He'd be out of luck with half his population dead.

U.S. has positioned ships and bombers off his coast

Just to make it very clear; should he attack - they're toast.

Opening Day - Yankees v. Red Sox: Fingers Crossed

(Photo/carlyfinseth.com)

Yankees host the Red Sox in their Opener today.

I am always trepidatious when these 2 teams play,

But this day is special 'cause it falls on April 1st,

Meaning that the sports gods may decide to do their worst.

April Fool's Day pranks can be amusing; sometimes, not.

If the joke is on New York then Boston has a shot.

In a normal Opener the home team, mostly, wins;

Baseball fans read omens from the way their team begins.

But, because it's April Fools, the sports gods may decide

They will intervene by helping out the other side.

In this case that side is mine.  I've got my fingers crossed

That tomorrow's headlines read; The New York Yankees lost.