They CAN Hear You Now

Yes... Yes they can.

NSA can hear you now; they're monitoring phones.

(I'd thought they would be too busy operating drones.)

If you have Verizon they're aware of who you call.

I bet we'll discover that they're checking on us all.

Carriers can't tell us; it would violate the law.

'though it's meant to keep us safe it's sticking in my craw.

They're collecting "meta-data": who is calling who,

Where we are, how long we talk.  They're searching for a clue.

NSA can also find us on the internet.

Any fact they want to know about us they can get...

So much information, Libertarians are tense.

As for me, I wonder if the data's making sense.

While we trample 4th Amendment rights, I have to ask

Doesn't all this information complicate the task?

Don't they need to focus and not cast their net so wide?

I would love an answer but that, too, is classified.

Dear GOP... Live With It

From the left: new U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power, President Barack Obama, outgoing National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, and incoming National Security Adviser Susan Rice (Photo/NewYorkDailyNews.com)

Want some proof Obama is all done with playing nice?

National Security Adviser, Susan Rice.

Her appointment's bound to make Republicans see red.

They're still mad at her over some talking points she read.

They believe that Sunday morning interviews she gave

Following Benghazi were just lies she told to save

President Obama in his presidential race;

I think they believe she should retire in disgrace.

GOP was very clear that they would not confirm

Susan Rice as Secretary in this second term.

NSA appointments don't require their consent.

'though he'll have to pay, Obama's coin was well spent.

Dr. Rice is loyal, smart, experienced, and tough.

As U.N. Ambassador, she's proven that enough.

Has the background which she needs to offer good advice.

GOP will have to learn to live with Susan Rice.

Backyard Wildlife

 

We get lots of wildlife in the backyard of our house

And, no...  I'm not talking just your average, country mouse.

We get deer.  I've seen a fox.  We've even had a bear.

Right now it's a turkey with her 7 chicks out there.

Yard is always full of rabbits; I've seen 10 or more.

There's a good sized snake who's living under my front door.

My mom won't come in that way because she's scared of snakes.

She would rather take the stairs, despite arthritic aches.

We have got coyotes, too.  I see them now and then.

There's a lot of woods out back where they can make their den.

Our dog won't stop barking when they get too close and howl.

When it comes to predators, I much prefer our owl.

The Boston Bruins - 2-0!

Crosby keeps looking for a fight.  Don't give it to him.  (Photo/Bleacher Report)

 

I confess to lack of faith and so I was surprised

When, at less than 30 seconds in, I realized

Bruins weren't just lucky when they won the other night;

They've won 2 because they're good at keeping passes tight.

They just beat the Penguins 'cause our defense has been great

And because our stars are smart enough to leave the bait.

They've ignored the constant, sneaky, "chippy", little shoves...

Won't be goaded into fights; they're keeping on their gloves.

They have won because our brilliant goalie - Tuukka Rask -

Once again, has proven that he's equal to the task.

Game 3 is tomorrow night on Boston Bruins' ice;

I have no illusions that, because we beat them twice,

Pittsburgh's Penguins can't come back to win - the Flyers did.

It is at our peril we forget the Crosby kid.

He may not be scoring now, but that ain't gonna last...

Let's pray that the Boston Bruins beat the Penguins fast.

"Oh, The Places You'll Go"

Congratulations Graduates!

"Oh, The Places You'll Go," is what I always give;

The perfect road map for how folks really live.

Gift it to Graduates...  Add my own rhyme.

Let them know how much we've valued the time

They've been in our home to visit our son;

Thank them for making our lives so much fun.

 As they head off to the places they'll go,

'lest they become someone we use to know,

We want to make it abundantly clear -

They'll always find there's a warm welcome here.

Good luck!

Dear GOP... Where Did You Go To School?

Current student debt stands at $1 trillion. (Photo/Occupy.com)

Rates on college student loans could do as much as double...

Meaning current graduating seniors are in trouble.

GOP would tie the rates to markets; experts fear

Their solution could cost kids a thousand bucks a year.

President Obama says he'll veto any move

That does more to harm these kids than it does to improve.

We need college educated people in the States;

Why would we add more financial burdens to their plates?

College can be hard enough without this added debt.

It is in the int'rest of our country that we get:

Future scientists and doctors, teachers, engineers...

Those whose future taxes pay for our declining years.

How are they supposed to pay for us when we get old?

They'll be paying college loans while we're out in the cold.

I think that Republicans should stop and think this through.

Students will remember them when that first bill comes due.

How About Some Real News Coverage (For A Change)?

Tea Party Senator Ted Cruz (R) of Texas.  (Photo/TheBlaze)

Scandals plaguing Washington - the media's enthralled.

They're more fun than news reporting budget talks have stalled.

Budgets don't get ratings; not the way that scandals do.

Don't they think their viewers would be angry if they knew?

Senator from Texas (of the Tea Party) Ted Cruz

Makes sure any reconciliation efforts lose.

Blocked it from Committee 'cause he says he doesn't trust

Any party and, therefore, the budget's gathered dust.

Even some Republicans, like Senator McCain,

Seem to understand this situation is insane.

Congress needs to do its job and get a budget deal

And news media should cover scandals that are real.