Past Predictions; Present Realities*

One hundred forty-two years ago--

Back in 1873--

Observing trends, editorialists shared

The scary future that they could foresee.

 

"Individual enterprise will accomplish everything"

Became a popular maxim of the day,

Which meant that the system conceived by our original

Statesmen was something becoming passé.

 

As leaders merely became office-holders,

The situation was looking bleaker;

As "giant enterprises" grew much stronger,

The efficiency of our government grew much weaker.

 

The critics felt that our rulers would become

Far too inefficient to restrain

The aggressive power of the corporations

And the rights of the American people would wane.

 

In American society the corporations

Would become the wealthy, privileged "class,"

And a "feudal" system exacting service

Would consequently come to pass.

 

This "disguised warfare" with the American government

Way back then was causing anxiety,

As wealth and power worked against

The wishes and interests of American society.

 

Things have really not changed much, have they?

While corporations keep growing stronger,

We and our politicians are pawns

In a game we should NOT want to play any longer.

 

(4-10-15)

 

*Based on a May 1873 editorial in THE NATION