I Can't Look

I'm afraid to look and see what Michael Cohen's tape

Causes Donald Trump to tweet about his latest scrape

With the law...  I wonder if he'll tweet it all in CAPS?

Or, if he will start a war the next time that he snaps.

Or, is this new scandal meant to cover up his last?

And, which one was that, exactly?  They go by so fast.

Were we still on Putin?  Hell...  I'll have to check my list;

It's the one with reasons I continue to #RESIST.

It's a pretty lengthy list and, 'though I've written small,

I've required several pages just to hold it all.

Guess my list is not the same as those inside Trump's camp.

If it were, then they - like me - would all have writer's cramp.

What's Happening? Part 3

Donald Trump did everything except bestow a smooch

Right on Putin's Russian ass - completely screwed the pooch.

Dancing like a puppet to the tune that Russia sings...

Makes me wonder why Trump's letting Putin pull his strings.

Trump said that he couldn't understand why Russia would

Meddle in U.S. elections and that Mueller should

End the witch hunt... Never mind that everyone agrees

Presidents leave politics behind when overseas.

Presidents don't disregard the briefings from their staff,

Don't ignore indictments, then explain it as a gaff.

They trust their intelligence reports and don't agree

With the word of former members of the KGB. 

I don't know what's happening or how we reassure

NATO allies in the region, but one thing's for sure

Putin got the guy he wanted - Trump as president -

And he's proving more than worth the rubles Russia spent.

Resistance Is Still Futile

 

I agree with Donald Trump. 'though, normally, I'd scoff;

I think that the Russians must still laugh their asses off,

Gleeful that the couple million rubles that they spent

Bought them such a "useful idiot" for President.

One who won't impose the sanctions that the Congress passed.

One whose foreign policy decisions are half-assed.

One with a well-documented tendency to lie.

One who doesn't trust his NSA or FBI.

They had so much fun the last time that they're back at work;

On-line trolls pretending they're an ordinary jerk.

Then their "bots" start amplifying those extremist views -

Spreading their conspiracies, supported by fake news.

It is kinda funny - in a tragic sorta way;

I've been doing Putin's job for him (without the pay)

Each and every time that I start kicking up a fuss...

That is worth a couple laughs, except the joke's on us.

#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.

The Shove Seen 'round the World

Donald Trump, the President of these United States,

On an - almost - daily basis, clearly demonstrates

He's unfit to lead this country... An embarrassment.

Yesterday, he shoved the Montenegrin President.

That's the newest NATO Member Donald Trump just shoved.

I'm sure that's a video that Putin must have loved.

Some believe it's only right our President went first...

I thought that it showed the world our country at its worst. 

How Do You Say "Dittohead" In Russian?

Rumors on the internet (like FOX News, only worse)

Trolls who claim our President is trying to reverse

The protections that our Constitution guarantees.

Faking news supporting tales of vast conspiracies.

Claiming that Ebola's spreading through Atlanta's streets,

False reports of shootings were a "Leading Trend" in Tweets.

Some trolls work the chat rooms; I've encountered one or two...

They're the guys you find on-line espousing Putin's view.

Now we find that some trolls aren't your ordinary jerk;

Lying on the internet is what they do for work.

They are on the payroll of a Russian agency;

Putin should thank Limbaugh's fans...  They do the job for free.

Heee's Baack!

10 days since the President of Russia last was seen.

Rumors have been flying; what does Putin's absence mean?

He has cancelled trips and meetings.  Could it be he's sick?

Is he flat in bed because his back has got a crick?

Is he in a power struggle?  Could this be a coup?

Is he in some private spot exchanging an "I do"?

Kremlin watchers speculate why he's been gone so long,

But they're only guessing and their guesses could be wrong.

He still makes his presence felt, however, in the press;

Blustering to cover up his economic mess.

Russians love his show of strength - besides, no-one would dare

Take a poke at Putin even when he isn't there.

Later:

You may disregard that rhyme 'cause Vladimir is back;

Put his Northern Fleet on full alert for an attack.

Not to worry...  "Just a drill," said Putin with a smile.

Bet his neighbors wish that he'd stayed missing for a while.

Bad, Bad Vlad

Leroy Brown was bad so no one messed around with him.

Meaner than a junk-yard dog...  'though, meaner still was Jim.

Jim looks like a pussycat, however, when compared

To the Russian President.  Heck, even Big Jim's scared.

Putin's not a man the opposition wants to cross,

As their leader, Boris Nemtsov, learned - to his great loss.

Murdered by the Kremlin's wall; they shot him in the back.

Cameras weren't working at the site of the attack.

No one knows who pulled the trigger but the point is clear;

Russian opposition leaders have good cause to fear.

Do not spit into the wind or tug on Putin's cape...

Not unless they've also started planning their escape.

A Friend In Need Is A Problem

President Obama has been trying to decide

If, by sending lethal aid to Ukraine, we will slide

Down the slope that leads to war with Russia.  In the end,

How far should the U.S. go to help support a friend?

Putin seeks a land bridge to Crimea and he'll kill

To get what he's after...  Then he'll stop.  But not until.

Putin's made that clear beyond the shadow of a doubt;

Proving sanctions on his country don't wield any clout.

He's content to wait those out - continuing to lie -

Gambling that NATO forces aren't prepared to die

In a bid to stop him from annexing more Ukraine,

Trying to rebuild the Russia of Joe Stalin's reign.

Since they aren't a NATO member, Putin may be right.

E.U. isn't rushing to join Kiev in its fight.

U.S. lethal aid will just add to the list of dead.

Let's not get involved in places Europe fears to tread.

A Piece in Ukraine

Leaders meet in Minsk today, regarding the Ukraine.

You're forgiven if you're thinking 'Here we go again.'

Poroshenko, Merkel, and Hollande will all be there

Hoping there's some way they can appease a Russian bear.

President Obama won't be present for the talks;

He's at home considering our move if Putin balks.

Do we arm Ukraine to fight a war they cannot win

If the Russian bear's decided that he's coming in?

Putin wants a piece, alright... A piece of the Ukraine

And he seems prepared to suffer economic pain.

Even if we arm Ukraine - increasing Putin's dead -

There's no way to stop this Russian bear until he's fed.

Would You Trust This Man?

Russia has agreed to meet with Germany and France;

Putin's giving Merkel and Hollande another chance

To negotiate a peaceful ending in Ukraine -

Hoping to curtail the numbers of civilians slain. 

But, although I wish them luck on getting this resolved,

Putin, who's denying there are Russian troops involved,

(Even with the evidence from NATO that's a lie)

Doesn't seem like someone bent on giving peace a try...

Not unless Ukraine agrees that Russia play a role

In the Eastern provinces that separatists just stole.

Give him everything he wants and Putin's fine with peace.

Only then - and not before - will war in Ukraine cease.

Putin's Fairytales

 

Secretary Kerry's on a visit to Ukraine

Where he'll be a welcome guest when he gets off his plane,

Since Kiev is hoping that he'll promise lethal aid;

Weapons meant to counter recent gains that rebels made.

Eastern Ukraine's rebel forces, armed with Russian guns,

Plus an unknown number of poor Mother Russia's sons,

Started bombing towns - anticipating an attack -

Pushing forward in the knowledge Putin has their back.

Now that he controls what Russian media dares say,

Putin won't let little things like truth get in the way.

He's convinced his population that it's worth the pain

Sanctions are inflicting 'cause they're "rescuing" Ukraine.

Putin says that Russian aid is sent to help the poor;

That the big, bad West is slavering at Russia's door.

This time though, when Kerry's in the Russian news tonight

Putin's story that we're intervening might be right.

The Problem With Putin

 

Russia's ruble's plummeting because of cheaper oil.

Tensions there are simmering and could come to a boil

As we tighten sanctions further, turning up the heat,

Hoping Russia changes course; that they'll admit defeat.

Problem, as I see it, is that Putin's still in charge

And his cult of personality's grown rather large.

Thanks to Russian media, which Putin now controls,

Most of Russia stands by him, according to the polls.

NATO says that Putin's getting bolder by the day;

Economic sanctions don't appear to hold much sway.

Those may work on other countries and their leaders, but

I've begun to worry Putin really is a nut.

The Rus Down in Rus-ville Like Putin Alot...

(Image/smsuspur.net)

Getting close to Christmas-time and Putin's playing Grinch,

As the price of oil goes down and sanctions start to pinch;

He's cracked down internally on opposition groups.

Meanwhile, in Crimea, he's begun amassing troops.

Yet, the Rus in Russia - unlike Whoville and the Whos -

Still support their President, according to the news.

Putin's heart might be too small; his ego, though, is not...

His ambitions in the region also grew alot.

Though they face recession next year, Russians do not care.

Putin's just as popular as ever over there.

It's as if the Whos decided, late one Christmas night,

They should help to trash their town because the Grinch was right.

Vlad the Great?

(Portrait/Courtesy of thefederalist-gary.blogspot.com)

Putin and his cronies are attempting to suppress

Journalists in Russia who must toe the line unless

They would like a visit from some functionary who

Makes sure that the day they crossed the line is one they'll rue.

Visa violations; someone mugged the BBC...

Not so subtle clues that Russian media's not free.

If a visitor's harassed, imagine what it's like

Living in the shadow of a looming Putin Reich.

So much for the freedoms that the Russian people gained.

Not since in the days when Tzars (or Joseph Stalin) reigned

Has there been a press less free and fearful of the State,

Forced to sing the praises of their leader - Vlad the Great.

The UN and ISIL - Promises, Promises

President Obama addressed the UN General Assembly yesterday. (Photo/in.reuters.com)

President Obama gave a speech at the UN

(Kinda like when Daniel stepped into the lions' den)

He stood up to Russia in support of the Ukraine;

Said that Putin's actions there would cost more than they'd gain.

Mainly though, he spoke about the flailing Middle East;

Pointing out, when tensions rise, religions are the yeast.

Sunni versus Shia versus Christian versus Jew...

When you fund a sect you're funding terrorism, too.

Voting was unanimous; the Council stands opposed

To the new Islamic State (whose oil fields we've just closed.)

Countries pledged to do their part - whatever that might be.

Will they keep their solemn words? We'll have to wait and see.

What's a Little Mugging Between Friends?

(Photo/Courtesy of funnyfeeder.com)

 

BBC reporters, recently, got beaten up...

Do they think this "random" mugging looks suspicious? Yup.

For, if you have asked yourself; "What did the muggers get?

"Did they steal their watches, car, or wallets from them?" Nyet.

While in Russia, looking into soldiers who have died

(Where they found some evidence that Putin may have lied;

That he does have troops within the borders of Ukraine

Fighting with the rebels because Russia seeks to gain

Access to Crimea - which they've already annexed)

BBC reporting left somebody rather vexed.

 "Muggers" smashed their cameras.  Then, questioned by police,

It was hours later before victims gained release.

They went back to find someone had rifled through their car

But the only damage they're discovering - so far -

Is to their computer drives with files for their report...

I have doubts their case will ever make it into court.

I suspect the mastermind behind this petty crime 

Never has to worry that he'll end up doing time.

How do you arrest a head of state who's doing worse?

When you're stealing territory, what's a little purse?

Sincerest Sympathies to NATO Leaders

 

 NATO member leaders, who are gathering in Wales,

Greeted news that France postponed 2 Russian warship sales.

France has been reluctant to give up the revenue

But, with Putin's actions, it's the safest thing to do.

NATO is unhappy about Russians in Ukraine;

Angry that their missiles killed a passenger airplane;

Skeptical of anything that Putin has to say;

Worried that they can't predict how far he plans to stray.

NATO also has to deal with the Islamic State;

(Savage terrorists whose ideology is hate)

Unsure about Syria and which guys they should shoot...

Crisis in Afghanistan - election's in dispute.

Certainly no shortage of the problems NATO faces.

They will be debating if there's need for forward bases.

NATO better start recruiting now to staff them all;

That's a lot of problem spots they're dealing with this Fall.

Dear E.U. - When Is Enough Enough?

Tell me that Putin isn't up to something...  Look at that smirk as he shakes hands with Ukraine's President. (Photo/ibtimes.co.uk)

Russia's new "incursion" into Southeastern Ukraine

(Something they're denying but reconnaissance makes plain)

May just be the straw to break the German camel's back;

Merkel called on Putin to demand he not attack.

Europe's been reluctant to impose a tough regime

Of the sanctions that might put a stop to Putin's scheme.

He supplies their energy and winter's coming soon...

And he has a reputation as a thuggish goon.

Ukraine's not a NATO member - thus, it's not our fight.

Troops won't be deployed to make sure Putin does what's right.

Sanctions seem to be the only weapons we can use.

His uncurbed aggression means the E.U. has to choose.

Will they simply sit and watch while Putin has his way;

Flouting diplomatic rules while sizing up new prey?

Do they take a stand against the Russians' latest move;

Or, by doing little, do they tacitly approve?

Smuggling Drivers

 

Russian trucks have crossed the border; entering Ukraine.

Putin says they're full of things like medicines and grain.

Kiev doesn't trust him - they suspect a Trojan Horse -

But they cannot stop the Russians without using force.

I don't blame Ukrainians for thinking it's a trick

Still, I must admit, this latest move is pretty slick.

Can you bomb 300 trucks that claim they're bringing aid?

And, how is it Russia's fault if all those drivers stayed?

They'd be reinforcements for the troops already there;

Russian men who "volunteered" to fight - because they care.

Putin's up to something - you can tell it from his smirk -

And I am afraid that his invasion plan might work.