The Best Tax Plan Money Can Buy

 

Looks like the Republicans' new tax bill's a done deal.

It will give big corporations licenses to steal.

They get permanent relief for sitting on their butts;

Middle class gets screwed, again, with temporary cuts.

Corporation leaders have no plans to reinvest;

They've said that they'll buy back stocks and pay down interest.

No new jobs or higher wages on the drawing board.

Still, they'll get a tax break that the country can't afford.

Bernie Sanders called it "looting..." I tend to agree.

Debt grows by a $1,000,000,000,000.00.  (Trillion, with a T.)

GOP says wealth will "trickle down" and help the poor

Even though that's never worked when we've tried it before.

I fear it's too late to stop it... Pointless to resist,

Since the wealthy donors to Republicans insist

That, if they don't pass this bill, the money well runs dry.

Now they'll get the best tax cuts their lobbyists could buy.

Christmas Music in November Is Bad for Your Health

 

Recent scientific research proves that I've been right

All along when I've insisted that "Oh, Holy Night,"

"Dominic the Donkey," "Jingle Bells," and "Drummer Boy"

In November makes you sick instead of filled with joy.

Yes, I'm feeling "Bah humbug-ish."  Sure... You're all prepared;

Decorated, presents bought and wrapped while carols blared.

All this Christmas music in November makes me tense

Since I haven't done a thing...  I mean you no offense

But, I need 2 weeks (at least) before I'm in the mood.

Right now, I can understand the Grinch's attitude.

I'm glad all you Whos are happy - jingling away -

Me? I'd like some "Peace on Earth" until the holiday.

Have We No Shame?

 

As the list of women who've accused Judge Roy Moore grows,

Some in Alabama's GOP have hit new lows.

They still plan to cast their ballots for a pedophile

Rather than a Democratic moderate...  How vile.

One guy used the Bible, claiming Mary was a teen,

Joseph was an adult...  Jesus Christ! I feel unclean.

Others tried to weasel out by saying that "if true"

Then Moore needs to step aside - which he's refused to do.

Have we really reached the point where people will excuse

Child abuse from Senate candidates who share their views?

Please tell me that there are still some standards that we keep...

If not, then we're truly lost and I can only weep.

Too Soon?

 

Still too soon for talking about gun control, I guess...

Haven't finished cleaning - yet another - tragic mess.

Now is not the time to ask why 26 more died.

Maybe we're supposed to wait until the blood has dried.

At the rate that things are going though, there's one small hitch,

When we say we're too close to the situation - Which?

Were we still too close to Vegas?  When's the proper time

To discuss prevention of the next mass shooting crime?

There'll be lots of "thoughts and prayers" and silences observed

But, we future shooting victims would be better served

If, instead of waiting, in respect for all our dead,

We insist that Congress passes gun control, instead.

Universal background checks...  Is that too much to ask?

It gives us a fighting chance by helping to unmask

People who should not have guns...  Like guys who beat their wife;

If someone is dangerous they should be banned for life.

#DNFTT

Knowing that the Russians have been weaponizing memes

With results that far exceeded Putin's wildest dreams

Leads me to a question that's been haunting me with doubt;

Is my opposition only helping Putin out?

Once I thought the worst damage had already been done -

On the morning I discovered Donald Trump had won;

Sowing seeds of bigotry, discord and discontent,

Which has only gotten worse since he's been President.

But, the fact that Trump has demonstrated he's a jerk

Doesn't mean that Russian trolls are not still hard at work

Judging by the Senate testimony from this week...

Ship of State is foundering - no paddle - up the creek.

Twitter couldn't tell our Senators how many "bots"

Might be on their service, echoing each others' thoughts.

Facebook isn't sure how many rubles Russia paid

Buying ads to influence decisions voters made.

Now we've gotten to the point where how somebody votes

Turns into a culture war aimed at each others' throats.

We all need to take a breath and find some common ground...

And remember Putin's Russian trolls are still around.

Another Prayer to the Sports Gods

I still can't believe New England traded Jimmy G.

What will happen if there's - gods forbid! - an injury

To the GOAT, Tom Brady, and it's worse than just a bruise?

I can tell you what will happen then... We're gonna lose.

I'm aware Garoppolo would like a chance to play

As the starting quarterback before he's old and gray.

At the rate that Brady's going, that won't happen here...

Still, I wish the Patriots had waited 'til next year.

I know Belichick's a genius...  Yes, in Bill I trust.

But, it's still a lot to ask some new guy to adjust

To the Pats, where he'd require more than just an arm...

Please dear sports gods, hear my prayer and shelter Tom from harm.

(Not that I am not already praying for the team

But the sports gods haven't listened to me, it would seem,

With so many crucial players on the injured list.)

Still... Good luck Garoppolo! I hope you won't be missed.

Not So Happy All Hallows Eve

Happy Hallowe'en, my friends.  Enjoy your tricks and treats.

Watch out for the little kids in costume in the streets.

Trick or Treating's been postponed 'til Friday in my town

Due to winds which made some trees and power-lines come down.

Chelmsford's not the only town affected locally,

My sister in Dracut's yard has got a fallen tree.

Schools are cancelled...  Still, I'd bet most kids are feeling sad;

Now they've got no place to wear the costumes that they had.

'though I understand tonight's impossible to swing,

I'm afraid November 3rd still lacks a certain zing.

It is not All Hallows Eve - October 31st...

Just another night for eating candy 'til we burst.

Dear Bill; Go to Hell. Sincerely, God

Bill O'Reilly's "mad at God" for screwing up his life.

Said God "worked him over..." Wow - the irony is rife.

Six times that O'Reilly's claimed that he was not at fault.

He thinks only God can stop a sexual assault.

God has disavowed responsibility for Bill;

Chasing 6 forbidden fruits - he exercised free will.

So, to Bill (and other predators we all could name)

God wants him to find some other deity to blame.

Sports gods took a knee and said that Bill can take a hike.

Bill could claim the devil made him do it, if he'd like.

Then he could feel right at home, with all the other trolls,

And I hear Hell's always in the market for new souls.

Another One Bites The Dust

 

Jeff Flake's said that he won't be "complicit" anymore,

During an impassioned speech made from the Senate floor.

"Reckless and undignified and dangerous," said Flake.

Arizona's Senator has had all he can take.

Flake's resigning rather than continuing his fight

Against this extremism we're seeing from the Right.

Principled conservatism takes another hit,

'though I cannot say I blame those Senators who've quit.

Should they stay and kiss the ring on Donald's "liddle'" hand?

I wish more Republicans would also take a stand.

But, instead, most choose to put their principles aside

To support a President who isn't qualified.

A Chelmsford Autumn

(Photos by Jeanne Malouin)

I don't mean to brag about it, but it would be hard

To find better Autumn colors than what's in my yard

Here in Massachusetts, in my quaint New England town.

Hopefully, the rain and wind won't blow all these leaves down.

Pines have shed their needles while the oaks are - mostly - green,

Adding depth and contrast to the view through my porch screen.

Red and orange sugar maples, almost at their peak...

Layers of colors that I'll be enjoying for a week.

Since October's been so warm the colors came on late.

We're about two weeks behind what's normal for the state.

Not that I'm complaining, mind you... Any time at all

Is the perfect time to see this glorious a Fall.

#Me3

I have yet to meet another woman who has not

Had unwanted comments made on "attributes" she's got:

Eyes or lips or legs or hips or thighs or "tits and ass..."

Some just clumsy "compliments" but, most - completely crass.

Women hear "The Law of the Hereafter" on a date;

"If you're not here after what I'm after," he will state

"You will be here after I have left... Without a ride."

(It's why I stopped wearing heels and gained a rapid stride.)

6 to 60, crippled, crazy... Any given night

Women have to block advances they did not invite.

So, the Me Too hashtag didn't come as a surprise,

Not to women but, apparently, to many guys.

I suppose it's possible that men were unaware...

I guess that I'd always just assumed they didn't care,

Not unless the woman was their daughter or their wife.

I thought some misogyny was just a fact of life. 

Happy 23rd Beloved

 

Sunday we will celebrate our anniversary,

'though it's not a major milestone year at 23.

Didn't know back then, when I became my best friend's wife,

It was the beginning of the best years of my life.

Thanks to him, I haven't had to worry.  Life is good.

Raised two sons together in our lovely neighborhood.

Nowadays, I love him more than on the day we wed...

I don't even mind he hogs the blankets in our bed.

If I started counting blessings rather than the years

It would take forever and I'd bore you all to tears.

But, if he is half as happy as the man's made me,

He is also hoping for another 23.

Common Ground?

Trump continues proving that he hasn't got a clue

What it is the country wants its President to do.

Most of us do not want chaos - don't want World War III.

Don't like governance by tweet or - worse - Sean Hannity.

But, a large minority of voters think it's fine...

Don't see any reason for the Donald to resign.

Do not care that he's disruptive... Feel that it's a plus.

They applaud whenever Trump starts kicking up a fuss.

Maybe they are entertained by him but I am not.

I am in a state of deep despair.  My nerves are shot.

I can't understand why Trump's supporters aren't afraid...

Unless they do not believe the statements that he's made.

That is something we agree on... Maybe there is hope?

Could it be that they're aware the President's a dope?

If they do not trust him either, that could be a start.

It would mean Americans are not that far apart.

Shocked At The Gamble

Tennessee Republican Bob Corker said that he

Fears that Donald Trump will get us into World War III.

Claims his colleagues know it, too...  Well, isn't that just great.

Nice of them to realize it now that it's too late.

With their trumped up culture war the heartland chose to back

Someone who was only qualified at "talkin' smack."

Like Claude Rains in Casablanca, now they're shocked to find

That they gambled on a man who isn't sound of mind.

Now we get to wait and see which way the dice will fall;

If we're in "the calm before the storm" that kills us all.

I sure wish the usual suspects would grow a pair;

Take a stand against the "chaos..." Get Trump out of there.

Happy 20th Birthday

Happy birthday darlin'...  May you have a hundred more.

Hope you smile so much it makes your facial muscles sore.

That still wouldn't make us even...  These last 20 years

You have made me grin and laugh until I was in tears.

You have brought such joy to us, my love, that we'll forgive

Those few times I wasn't sure if we would let you live.

But, I'm really glad we did...  Especially today.

Who wants peace and quiet from their children anyway?

Dear Congress... Spare Us

 

Spare me the condolences and useless thoughts and prayers,

Lowered flags and silent moments...  No one really cares.

I'm so sick and tired of the empty gestures when

Nothing ever changes...  And it's happening again.

"Now is not the time to talk about it," Sanders said.

We should "come together" for the wounded and the dead.

Background checks and gun control would not have stopped this crime,

Therefore, we should just do nothing, like we did last time...

And the time before that and the all too many more

When they've offered thoughts and prayers in speeches from the floor.

Lowered flags?  I'm sure that - this time - that'll do the trick.

I think I might go and vomit now...  I'm feeling sick.

Renovations

 

I just got a dye-job on my hair - erasing years.

Hadn't realized how ancient graying hair appears.

Problem is that, once you start, it's kinda tough to quit...

When gray roots start growing back, it's gonna look like shit.

I don't tend to bother with appearances that much;

Don't wear make-up, jewelry, accessories, and such...

But we're going to a wedding with a "hipper" crowd

For my sister's daughter... She said, "frumpy's not allowed."

So, I'm getting all dolled up...  I even did my toes.

Went out shopping with my Mom and bought some sexy clothes.

Don't think I can keep this up 'cause it's a lot of work.

Frumpy is much easier and I'm a lazy jerk.

Taking a Knee

 

Football players take a knee to demonstrate concern;

Waiting, praying for an injured player 'til they learn

If the guy will be okay or if he's badly hurt

While he's lying there in pain and writhing in the dirt.

They don't kneel in disrespect...  The opposite is true.

Now they're worried for our body politic (Me, too!)

With a sitting President who's chosen to attack

Free speech from a former San Fransisco quarterback.

I know there are people who will not agree, and yet

Even Robert Kraft, who is as pro-Trump as you get,

Said he's "deeply disappointed" by the Donald's "tone..."

Judging by the NFL's response, Kraft's not alone.

I served in the military 30 years ago

And don't find it disrespectful when the players show

Their concern in peaceful protest when they take a knee.

Why that should insult our troops or flag's a mystery.

Dear Mrs. May... US, Too

(Photo courtesy of ABC News', This Week with George Stephanopoulos)

As United Nations leaders gather in New York,

I sure wish our President would learn to put a cork

In it, because any time that he shoots off a tweet

He steps into - yet another - scandal with both feet.

I watched poor Theresa May, the Brits' Prime Minister,

Asked what her reaction to the Donald's comments were

As she stiffened up her lip, kept calm and carried on,

And, politely, said it wasn't helpful of the Don.

She (like all our allies) is unsure of what comes next...

Will Trump start a war with North Korea via text?

Are we in or out of Paris?  What's Trump gonna do?

Join the group Theresa...  We're all wondering that, too.

Castle Rock in Chelmsford?

I had yet to hear the news and so it was a shock

When location scouting agents stumbled on my block.

They were looking here and in some other neighborhoods;

Said they were from Warner Brothers and they liked our woods.

They are shooting Castle Rock - a Hulu TV show -

Based on books by Stephen King.  But, now I wanna know

What is it the scouting agent saw that made her think

Our woods would be suitable?  Now I'm afraid to blink.

Did she see a rabid Saint Bernard or scary clown?

Are there monsters roaming through my quiet, little town?

It's a little disconcerting when somebody looks

At your house and thinks it's like something from Stephen's books.

Do The Math

 

How is it, as millions try to flee from Irma's path,

Climate science's deniers still can't do the math?

This is what the scientists predicted coming true.

Ocean's gotten warmer; now the bill is coming due.

Storms that only happen every thousand years or so

Hitting the United States for two weeks in a row?

Catastrophic floods in Houston; Florida's up next.

It seems evident to me that Mother Nature's vexed.

If our prayers aren't answered - if the hurricane won't turn -

I hope Mar-a-Lago floods.  Then, maybe, Trump will learn

It's not just the "little people" global warming hurts,

Businessmen like him are also gonna lose their shirts.

You May Say I'm A Dreamer...

 

Dreamers got a rude awakening from Donald Trump;

He kept campaign promises he made while on the stump.

He's eliminating DACA which protects a kid

Who was not responsible for what their parents did.

95% of them, in college or employed,

Will not have the luxury they formerly enjoyed

Of not fearing deportation from the only place

They have ever known.  This is a national disgrace.

Like a deer caught in the headlights, Dreamers registered.

ICE knows where to find them now that action's not deferred.

I guess when the President said he would show some heart

He meant that he'd give Dreamers a six month running start.

Move-In Day - Part 6

(I believe it's "Freshmen.")

Youngest son is back at school and he'll be sorely missed.

This year, though, I didn't get my panties in a twist.

Didn't weep on move-in day...  Just helped him make his bed,

Put away his clothes and took him out to lunch, instead.

Gave the standard "Carpe' diem" speech and then we left.

This is our 6th move-in day and so we've gotten deft

At the process.  We were in and out in half a day;

Only got a little "misty" when we drove away.

Mostly, I'm just happy for him. This will be his year.

All he has to do is focus (and lay off the beer.)

We have known forever that our youngest son is great.

Now he has to prove it to the folks at Worcester State.

Making a Comeback

 

Have a pair of jeans I struggled getting past my hips...

Put them on this morning and - Voila! The zipper zips.

Now they even seem a little baggy 'round the butt;

Evidence of progress from the calories I've cut.

I've still got a lot to lose before I reach my goal

But at least I'm down to just a single belly roll.

Weight's been piling on for years. It's bound to take a while.

(Probably around the time that disco's back in style.