There Was A Time

There was 
a time
when
people 
were
entitled 
to their
opinions.
There was
a time
when 
there
was a 
political 
center.
Most 
where 
ether
center right
or 
center left.
These people 
could
talk to
each other.
No more.
Everything’s
been pushed
to the 
margins.
Ultra right.
Radical left.
No understanding.
No compromise.
Battle lines
drawn!
Ends
justify 
the means.
Sad…..

Reviews

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

So very true my friend. What these modern times show is that we have failed to live up to the expectations we fought for in the 60s. Instead of striving towards our better angels, we have given into our apathetic nature. Anger and hate has filled the void of what we once called common sense. We have to get back to a time where in order to win an argument one need only listen. Because it gives the other person a chance to hear their own nonsensical belligerence. These are difficult days because many see ignorance as a virtue. Being a hateful troll is ethical in much of society's eyes. Intelligence and wisdom are vices to be shunned. Keep the masses ignorant and it makes them more malleable towards propaganda. We get the government we vote for and have no one to blame but ourselves. We must do better, and that begins with each individual. Excellent poem my friend.

[E.J. Waling]

Thank you CLE,
I blame technology for this (social media) which allows the fringe that screams the loudest to have outsized influence.
JP