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“A nation of sheep,
Begets a government of wolves.”
Edward R. Murrow
The last time that I traipsed down
Washington’s Pennsylvania Avenue
I vowed to myself that I’d never return
My government service was now through
I had lost all faith in its founding premise
Our government no longer worked very well
It was no longer a government ‘of the people’
For many just like me, it had become sheer hell
It had been taken over by greedy businessmen
Who were only in D.C., to make enormous bucks
Those, who our government was supposed to serve
Like our valiant veterans, were now sadly out of luck
And the last time that I walked through our nation’s Capitol
I was all alone with my thoughts, on old Pennsylvania Avenue
All I saw near the White House, were throngs of homeless souls
Huddled by sidewalk grates - hungry, destitute, and awfully blue
Yesterday, as I sat watching the parade route on my television set
I saw millions of joyous souls, now lining old Pennsylvania Avenue
And I sincerely hope and pray that we will not be let down once more
Our nation, and old Pennsylvania Avenue, definitely need something new
“The citizens are the only ones
Who can bring our governmental institutions
Back to life, make them responsible and accountable,
And keep them honest.”
John Gardner
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| Reviewed by MaryGrace Patterson |
1/26/2009 |
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| Jan 20th was a wonderful day in our nations history! It has chnaged much in this country and if we All work together and help , we might beome the Great America we once were. His ideas are fresh new, and he gives us hope for a new and brighter day. A good timely write....M |
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| Reviewed by Christine Alwin |
1/24/2009 |
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| It is a long road...but if steps are taken in the right direction it will become shorter...let hope and pray! |
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| Reviewed by Karen Vanderlaan |
1/22/2009 |
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| a very hopeful write-love the ending quote as well! |
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| Reviewed by E T Waldron |
1/21/2009 |
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I'm with you in this one Ed, and as I said in my poem, I hope and pray we can continue the seeds of goodness hope and joy that were sown yesterday ! Excellent poem,photo and midi! let's keep hope alive
Love,
tiger lily |
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| Reviewed by Karen Palumbo |
1/21/2009 |
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Heartfelt write for a brighter future, now we wait....
Be always safe,
Karen |
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| Reviewed by Tom Hyland |
1/21/2009 |
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ED - WELL DONE, BRO!
Will copy & paste what I just posted to Ted Glines Blog -
TED - like everyone else, I was mezmerized yesterday.
But, I do have several concerns, which will be either proven, or disproven in time. While the pundits on radio & TV today were saying that the first 100 days, or 3 months, are not enough time - I believe that 30-60-and-90 days will be significant benchmarks!
I believe the man is sincere and means business - the instructions while addressing Congress pre-inauguration - now, the freezing of gov. ees salaries (!))K & above) - the estopping of Lobbyists - QUICK - DIRECT - and NEEDED!
Let's see what he does now about: Banks. Credit, CEO's, NYSE, Mortgage Market, Iraq, Afghanistan - GITMO, Reversal of Bush's Policies regarding Patriot Act, Habeas Corpus, etc. - all these I think are more critical than Auto Mkt. and new 'green' energy stuff.
With Crossed fingers, and Baited breath - I Wait -
What Responsibility will I do? PAY close attention, and REPORT truthfully,
both good and bad.
AFTERTHOUGHT - I PRAY this guy is NOT the one foretold by NOSTRADAMUS!
Tom.
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| Reviewed by Sandie May Angel-Joyce |
1/21/2009 |
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A thoughtful write, Ed! Let's hope for better days to come!!!
Sandie Angel :o) |
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| Reviewed by Kate Burnside |
1/21/2009 |
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| it's great to have your personal view from someone who knows what these corridors and places of power are all about, Dad. Like many, I wondered what and where the homeless and other personae non grata had been bussed off to yesterday... but I also harboured a dream that somehow Mr Obama might have slipped away privately to visit them right where they were, on the outskirts somewhere... now THAT would have been truly Good King Wenceslas-ian!!!! However, I'm sure they were never far from his thoughts as he looked out over those 2 million souls gathered in front of him... and beyond. I pray that accountability will be a hallmark of his administration... xxx |
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| Reviewed by Dale Clark |
1/21/2009 |
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A historic event yesterday, but still doubts remain.
Money is power and most definitely corrupt. Hope is
all we have, great pen, Ed! |
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| Reviewed by A Serviceable Villain |
1/21/2009 |
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Ed~!
Great pic and a very finely penned, patriotic write!!
Blessings,
Lance |
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| Reviewed by Rebecca Lerwill |
1/21/2009 |
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No doubt - we need all the help we can get to make it right. Time will tell, Ed, only time will tell.
Love,
Becca~ |
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| Reviewed by D Johnson |
1/21/2009 |
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Make them accountable...that is the challenge. Nice write, well stated.
Cheers,
Dan |
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| Reviewed by Kimmy Van Kooten |
1/21/2009 |
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We all must stop to hear ourselves speak, turn our wonders on instead of Woes...unite, as a people, and fuel the world on under ONE SUN! I felt the unity yesterday, and I want it to be seen as an example for everyone here on Earth, and the only way it will, is if we hold tight to our determination and faith knowing THIS is what God meant with his FIRST commandment, Love One Another...
I went to bed thinking, wouldn't it be nice, to wake up and turn the news on and not one murder would be heard...it didn't happen last night, maybe, just maybe, tonight! I pray...
I too have HOPE! as does your inspiring pen~
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~ |
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| Reviewed by Walt Hardester |
1/21/2009 |
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I have to wonder what they did with all the homeless folks during the shiny-new ceremonies. Wonder if they are back today?
~W~ |
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| Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado |
1/21/2009 |
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All we can do is lift up Barack, Michelle, Sasha, and Malia in prayer; pray that God keeps them safe, and that our new President surrounds himself with Godly people who know what they are doing. Great write, Ed; well done!
You've got my vote! :)
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D
You ought to seriously consider running for the Oval Office! Yeah! President Kostro in the house! As long as he's in, animals and veterans don't have to worry any longer! YEAH! :) |
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| Reviewed by Jackie (Micke) Jinks |
1/21/2009 |
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I'm so proud of our people and our country, and President Obama has instilled the hope and love and respect we have needed for too long. It's time for the people to take back their government, and I do believe that time is NOW! Our voices shall be heard.
Thank you, Ed, for these additional words of hope and believing.
Blessings and Love - Micke |
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| Reviewed by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner |
1/21/2009 |
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I hope all will have their dreams come true, not just a select few. ESPECIALLY those who've served: they should lack for NOTHING!! Let's all unite and keep President Obama in our prayers: our country is in sad shape right now. It's 4th and down, put up or shut up, make or break time: there's not going to be any happy medium.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. |
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| Reviewed by JASMIN HORST SEILER |
1/21/2009 |
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I see the sun rise over the Potomac, I really do, every nation goes through some trials, it's what you make of them, and so far you always came out on top, for your ideals, and your light will endure,
they were not imposed, but came from a people of deep struggle, a struggle many brought from home, many in the world are still struggeling to reach that enlightened goal, be a beacon to them as you almost always were! Once in a while all our nations gets the government they deserve by not looking or forgetting those ideals, I can relate deeply. Bless you, and Amerika! Jasmin Horst |
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| Reviewed by Ed Matlack |
1/21/2009 |
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| This guy, Obama, puts me in mind of a black JFK...will he work out, time will tell...we can only put our faith in God and hope for the best...Ed |
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| Reviewed by Amber Moonstone |
1/21/2009 |
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Ed, I can sympathize with your sentiments here, but we really need to begin to think positive and back up our new President. We can do this by spreading hope and peace and support. We as authors have a loud voice, let us use it to unite the United States once more.
I am very tired of seeing my Vietnam Vet friends still suffering, I am tired of seeing the elderly barely eating and living in horrible conditions, I am so tired of seeing families without health insurance, barely able to feed their families, and so tired of the rich getter richer, (I was appalled at the fact that the Bush's spent half million dollars on some china for the white house, that to me is utterly disgusting).
Thanks for the poem and the thought provoking lessons from your words.
Peace love and light to you my friend,
Amber "V" |
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| Reviewed by Bonnie May |
1/21/2009 |
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| I truly believe that we've got it Ed...I want to believe again too. Like he said, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and lets start again. Beautiful touching write my patriot friend. Love and hugs, Bonnie |
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