Here’s yet another poetic gem from TMV’s favorite poet, Michael Silverstein, aka Wall Street Poet:
Congress is getting a lot of flack these days because of corruption (Abramoff) and improper behavior (Foley). But let’s not forget nepotism (Weldon). It’s no coincidence that so many relatives of Congressmen like Weldon have sweet deals linked to these officials’ ability to deliver political favors.
A Public Service Clan
The Congressman’s a family man,
He heads a public service clan,
While others give but of themselves,
His clannish ways, the good work swells.
He serves as a committee chair,
His wife consults on elder care,
His son does work for lobbyists,
His daughter markets mailing lists.
And it is no coincidence,
A sister thrives on think tank stints;
A brother who some thought was dense,
Runs agents for homeland defense.
A campaign worker twice indicted,
Has on this statesman’s staff alighted;
An intern who once shared his bed,
Is now a cable talking head.
God bless this Rep and all his clan.
Their selfless deeds, their grand elan;
And fie on those who heap derision,
On such extended patriotism.
Copyright 2006 Michael Silverstein
Joe Gandelman is a former fulltime journalist who freelanced in India, Spain, Bangladesh and Cypress writing for publications such as the Christian Science Monitor and Newsweek. He also did radio reports from Madrid for NPR’s All Things Considered. He has worked on two U.S. newspapers and quit the news biz in 1990 to go into entertainment. He also has written for The Week and several online publications, did a column for Cagle Cartoons Syndicate and has appeared on CNN.