Shaking in Spaghettiland (poem) by Patrick A Granfors on AuthorsDen

Shaking in Spaghettiland
by Patrick A Granfors → (All Poetry by Patrick A Granfors)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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The Italians have a knack for squashing science. Just ask that old heretic Galileo. Their latest fiasco involves the conviction of government seismologists for manslaughter, for failing to predict a fatal magnitude 6.3 earthquake after a swarm of smaller quakes had occurred. They are looking at a 6 year prison sentence. The real culprits of course are inadequate building codes and enforcement. I have a background in geoscience and I can tell you that while earthquake prediction technology may be improving, it is still one big crap shoot. Image:Crystalinks.com

Rumble rumble houses tumble Blame it on science today Never mind that the structures Were made of mud and clay Inspection graft and kickbacks Are the orders of the State They chose to shoot the messengers For failing to predict a date If you went to Monte Carlo You’d have a better chance to win Than to guess when Mother Nature Will give your solid ground a spin The courts should be embarrassed For the ignorance they display But then again as history shows Ignorance often carries the day Next they’ll jail astronomers For predictions they might hinder As to when our sun just might explode And turn earth into a cinder In the meantime I’ll trust science Despite its limitations I get sorely tired of stupid people’s Political imitations Copyright 2012 Patrick Granfors

Reviewed by Mary Patterson

Reviewed on January 13, 2013

Mortals are only human and all humans make mistakes. Your write is a sad reminder of the time we live in...M

Reviewed by Karen Vanderlaan

Reviewed on October 27, 2012

well said-unbelievable

Reviewed by Annabel Sheila

Reviewed on October 26, 2012

Giggle....amen to your wise interpretation of what's happing in the land of pasta....

Anna

Reviewed by Vivian Dawson

Reviewed on October 25, 2012

Loved your take from
the title and throughout

Lady Vivian

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

I thought this would be funny� it turned out to be dead serious. I'm with you, when politics gets fouled up with science and waste a lot of my good tax dollars on moneymaking schemes. I'm with you on this 100%. Thanks for sharing stupidity with us.

Ron

Reviewed by Mark Lichterman

Really? Really, could any government body be that stupid?
As always, my friend, your comical rendition of a truly unbelievable circumstance. Well, Italian law has recently proven to be minimally a bit on the archaic side.
Mark

Reviewed by Christine Tsen

You've got this right Patrick! Perfectly clever how you tell it and isn't it ludicrous that the blame has fallen where it has! I'm glad to read you again and hope this finds you well.
Christine

Reviewed by Stephen Cherring

Reviewed on October 24, 2012

Now That's my kind of writing. love it.

Reviewed by D Johnson

Nice work Patrick...love the lines.

Cheers,
Dan

Reviewed by Regis Auffray

I agree with you, Patrick. Thank you for sharing your expertise and opinion via your verses. Love and peace,

Regis

Reviewed by Paul Berube

lol I loved it! Very well done, Patrick.

Reviewed by Budd Nelson

so right Patrick so right
budd

Reviewed by Jerry Bolton

I agree, Patrick. The Chinese also have a nasty habit of convicting builders of apartment complexes when the are shaken to the ground and people are killed. In the Chinese cases I kinda go along with the verdict because, as you said, inadequate building codes, or if not the building code the tendency to work around them through bribes.