"Rat-a-tat-tat, Whitey"

 

Prosecution proved its case, the Bulger jurors said.

Sent him back to prison where he'll stay until he's dead.

Out of 19 murders felt that 7 weren't proved.

Prosecution witnesses left jurors quite unmoved.

Didn't trust one person's word 'cause they're a psychopath.

Jurors saw the deals they got and didn't like the math.

'though 11 victims got the justice they deserved

There are still 8 families whose interests weren't served.

Jurors must have figured that the outcome is the same;

He will die in prison and, despite his claim to fame,

Bulger murdered women and he really is a rat.

Hope those other families can take comfort in that.

Unsolicited Advice for a New Naval Recruit

Still can't believe the young boy that we knew

Soon will be leaving to wear Navy blue.

That is a road that I've also been on;

Wanted to tell you (before you were gone)

One or two things that might help you along.

Words that will serve you when something goes wrong.

Dr. Seuss says it much better than I

Nevertheless, I will give it a try:

Do not forget that it always behooves

You to salute anything if it moves.

"Sir" is for officers; not CPOs.

Next time remember what everyone knows;

Never Again Volunteer Yourself, dear.

But, let me make it abundantly clear

We are so proud of the man you've become...

(P.S. In port try to steer clear of rum.)

Whitey Bulger, King Rat of Southie (cont.)

You'd think that, with all of his ill-gotten gains, Whitey could have found a better dentist.

Waiting for a verdict in the Whitey Bulger trial.

Indications are we may be waiting for a while.

Jury must deliberate on over 30 counts;

Media is hyping it in hopes that tension mounts.

I don't understand what all the furor is about.

Whitey Bulger's guilty of enough there's not a doubt

He will die in prison; he is never going free...

Still, he will appeal the court's decision.  Wait and see.

Bulger doesn't care the prosecution has him cold;

Whitey wants to shape the way his legend will be told.

Brutal thug and criminal?  He's not denying that.

Just as long as he's not known as Southie's own King Rat.

Dear NSA... How Convenient

(Image/Bydio.com)

I've grown rather cynical I guess, because (to me)

Timing on this terror threat helps out an agency

Facing pointed questions due to Edward Snowden's leaks...

Making use of intel like their secret program seeks.

Isn't it convenient that, as opposition grew,

It's thanks to these programs that somebody even knew

Terrorists were plotting out an imminent attack?

Just a small reminder; NSA has got your back.

I don't think they've made this up; I'm sure the threat is real

(And, if something happens - Oh, how terrible I'll feel)

But, it's now a guarantee that PRISM gets the nod,

Proving that the NSA can speak, direct, to God.

Out of Touch

Even though vacation's through I'm really out of touch.

I'd like to compose a rhyme but cannot offer much.

Two weeks at the ocean watching nothing but the tides

Means that I'm unqualified for choosing any sides.

Nothing seems to matter as regarding politics;

Don't care which new player that my local sports team picks.

I am still unpacking - getting back into the swing -

Thus, I'm too distracted to be rhyming anything.

See You Later Alligator

Wave jumping.  (Photo/Peter S. Corr, III)

Once again, my giant clan is heading to the beach.

While we're there, although the inter-net's  not out of reach,

Dr. Seussilitis symptoms do not manifest;

Ocean views and breezes give my fevered brain a rest.

Hope that your vacations are all equally as nice.

If you're staying with large groups, then here is my advice

(If that group has teenagers along you'll understand)

Keep your coolers fully stocked - with extra booze on hand.

Dear NRA... So Much For That

 

So much for the argument that "good guys" toting guns

Is the way that we'll protect our daughters and our sons.

Tell that to Sybrina Fulton; go tell Trayvon's dad.

Jury didn't seem to think George Zimmerman was bad...

Just a guy who tried to help protect his neighborhood.

Volunteered his time; believed that he was doing good.

Just a guy out in his car - patrolling - packing heat.

That's the guy who gunned an unarmed child down in the street.

If George had no gun then things would not have gone so far;

Would have done as he was told and sat tight in his car.

But he felt like Dirty Harry, caught up in the chase.

Gun gave him the courage to get in a scared boy's face.

You don't have to be a lunatic for kids to die,

All you need's a weapon and a tense, untrained "good guy."

Think the NRA and LaPierre will now recant?

Let's ask Trayvon Martin what he thinks...  Oh, right.  We can't.