Holding My Nose for Trump

 I am what the media's been calling "the elites:"

Living in my ivory tower on suburban streets,

College-educated, Massachusetts Democrat,

Who - though knowing Trump just won - is still processing that.

Watching as the demonstrators protest through the streets,

Rightly worried over Donald Trump's outrageous Tweets.

Hearing chants of "White Power" as racist bigots gloat, 

Knowing about half of those protesters didn't vote.

When we lose elections we must live with the result

(Unless you're prepared to join some anarchistic cult.)

Seeing electoral maps of red with specks of blue

Tells me that it's only fair to see what Trump will do.

I may be upset but I'm not arrogant enough

To ignore the 60 million for whom times are tough. 

I don't have to like it - and, believe me, I do not -

But that doesn't change the fact that Trump has earned his shot.

Unsolicited Advice for Ferguson

(Cartoon/Courtesy of www.investors.com/cartoons)

Protestors were in the streets of Ferguson last night,

Angry at the failure of Grand Jurors to indite 

Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown.

Some began to riot and set fire to the town.

Liquor stores were looted; there were rocks and bottles thrown

And, despite the pleas for peace, the anger's only grown.

Shots were fired, highways blocked, with multiple arrests.

Tear gas filled the streets patrolled by guys in Teflon vests.

Unlike this Grand Jury, I do not have all the facts.

I just know there are too many senseless, violent acts

Where a young, black man is killed for looking like a threat.

They don't get the benefit of doubt that white kids get.

"He looked like a demon," is what Darren Wilson said.

Now, because that's how he saw him, Michael Brown is dead.

Young, black men know they're perceived with deep mistrust and fear.

How we change those attitudes is not exactly clear.

One thing that I guarantee won't help is rioting.

Fueling racial prejudice will not fix anything.

Criminals demanding justice? That seems pretty strange.

Peaceful demonstrations are the only way things change.

Hong Kong and China's National Day

China's grown impatient with the island of Hong Kong

Where police gassed demonstrators who'd done nothing wrong...

In the streets to protest an abridgment of their rights;

Unaware that Beijing pulls no punches when it fights.

Hong Kong doesn't like that China's limiting their choice

In the next election; leaving half without a voice.

Demonstrators, mainly students, peaceful and polite,

Tried to make it very clear that they don't want a fight.

They just want a vote with meaning; one that's not a sham.

Candidates who'll stand for them and will not try to cram

Mainland China's policies down Hong Kong voters' throats...

Beijing doesn't like when people start demanding votes.

China's being patient - so far - hoping this will pass.

Thinking that these demonstrations will run out of gas.

If they keep on growing though, as others join the ranks,

Let's all pray that China won't, again, resort to tanks.

Russian FOX News

In a propaganda war it's hard to know what's true.

Both sides may be lying...  We know Putin's told a few.

Russian news claims Nazi sympathizers rule Ukraine,

Backed by U.S. Special Forces.  Clearly, that's insane.

Russians must believe it though 'cause many of them call

For new annexations in Ukraine...  Don't want it all.

Just the eastern bits (the part with mines and rich farmland)

And, if we don't like it, we are welcome to pound sand.

Russians seem to think their country's only lending aid,

Unaware that protestors on city streets got paid.

It's as if they're trying to form rational world views

When their only source of information's like FOX News.

Viktor Yanukovych - Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Protestors on the streets of Kiev. (Photo/Courtesy of democraticunion.eu)

 Victor Yanukovych is the leader of Ukraine

Although, it's in question how much longer he'll remain.

Kiev's streets have burning tire-barricades at night;

Protests have continued as more people join the fight.

Most want the Ukrainians aligned with the E.U.;

Something that the Russians would prefer Ukraine not do.

Putin put the pressure on and Yanukovych caved.

Viktor said he had to; the economy was saved.

Protests broke out right away and they're still going on.

Now the calls are growing; they want Yanukovych gone.

What with all the history Ukraine and Russia share,

More than half the people want the hell away from there.

They believe their future lies with nations to the West;

Emigres from Russia think that looking East is best.

Viktor's only chance right now of staying on the job

Lies in turning them into another angry mob.

Hope it doesn't come to that, but I'm afraid it might.

Left hand, civil war - or else there's Putin on his right.

Deep in debt to Russia  (he's already cashed their check)

Pity Viktor Yanukovych...  I bet he's a wreck.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Photo/Courtesy of aimlesshorse.com)