Whitey's Sentencing

Artist/Jane Flavell Collins

Judge at Bulger's sentencing let everybody speak.

All the while, King Rat of Southie uttered not a squeak.

Even those who didn't get the verdict that they'd sought

Chose to make their public statements.  Whitey, though, did not.

One by one they took the stand and tried to meet his eyes.

Whitey wouldn't look at them, which isn't a surprise.

Rats don't make eye contact; they've got mean and shifty looks...

And, of course he didn't speak, 'cause now he'll sell more books.

The ACA - Well, This Sucks.

(Photo/Brooklyn.News12.com)

Good intentions pave the road to hell - or, so we're told -

And, despite the best of them, Obama oversold

Benefits of A.C.A. for millions who now find

They can't keep their health care plans and so they're in a bind.

Hard to make excuses for the mess this has become,

'though I am more sympathetic to this cause than some.

Website's still a nightmare and the phone lines have been jammed.

Roll-out of Obamacare's a voyage of the damned.

G.O.P. feels vindicated; "See! We told you so."

Frankly, I am sick of this whole dog and pony show.

Maybe if they'd tried to help to fix the "f...ing" thing

Their concern for us would have a more authentic ring.

Iran - Non. No. Nah. Nyet.

Stalled talks between the G5+1 and Iran are set to resume on 20 November. (Photo/Farsnews.com)

Iran has been isolated over 30 years.

They've become the boogeyman that everybody fears.

We're afraid that they'll enrich uranium until

They can build some weapons, 'though they've said they never will.

President Rouhani says Iran would like a deal

But we're not so sure that's how the ayatollahs feel.

Hopes for major breakthroughs stalled at meetings they've just had.

Israel has made no secret that fact makes them glad.

Secretary Kerry says enrichment must be ceased.

Some in Congress want to see the sanctions get increased;

Worried that Rouhani plans to use these talks to stall.

I'm afraid we'll try to force his hand and blow it all.

We've allowed their clerics to make demons of the West.

Some are true believers, sure...  But what about the rest?

Persia is an ancient culture; try to see their side.

If we turn the screws we'll lose, 'cause people have their pride.

Dear Veterans... You Honor Us

Happy Veteran's Day.  Thank you for your service.

If you see a person in a uniform today;

Navy blue or Air Force green or, even, Army gray,

Khakis, whites, or camouflage, whichever one they wear -

Take the time to thank them for protecting us out there.

But let's not forget the vets at home who've paid the price

Or their families who've also had to sacrifice.

'though they're out of uniform they, too, deserve our thanks.

All of them have honored us by serving in our ranks.

Thanks especially to my Dad and family friend, Derek McCann

Oh, and by the way, this is how we actually say "Thank you" to American veterans.

Dear Vice President Biden - Time to Update the Rolodex

Marty Walsh?  Mayor Marty Walsh?  (Photo/TheAtlantic)

White House called for Boston's Mayor-Elect...  At least, they tried.

Wanted to tell Marty Walsh that they were on his side.

They got through to Marty Walsh but it was not their guy.

Credit to Joe Biden; giving it another try.

Didn't even get a Walsh the second time he called.

Time that new Directory Assistance gets installed.

Biden kept on trying though and finally got through.

Wonder if the Walshes who I know got phone calls, too?

President Obama's secretary did the same;

Here in Boston, Marty Walsh is quite a common name.

This Walsh knew the Mayor-Elect and had him on speed dial...

White House Rolodex ain't been updated in a while.

Dear Miami Dolphins - Unsolicited Advice from the Home of Champions

Don't encourage him.  (Photo/Watercoolertalks.com)

Bullies in the locker room and team-mates being jerks;

Evidence has shown that's not a strategy that works.

When a player isn't motivated by the cash

You can't fix the situation if you're talking trash.

If you want a team that wins the players have to care;

Feel like they are family and want to do their share;

Have to like each other so much that they'd play for free...

Football isn't hard enough? Concussions? CTE?

Why would someone want to play with guys who aren't his friends?

Only thing he's hoping for is that the season ends.

Teams that win have chemistry and watch each others' backs;

Skill sets that Miami Dolphins' Incognito lacks.