Daytona Blues

Just as the government intrusion into our lives expands into each nook and cranny from health care to the regulation of one's property to the banning of non licensed children's lemonade stands so have the campaigns for political office. You cannot watch TV without being exposed to political ads most of which are negative sound bites devoid of any discussion of the issues that might matters. No event is immune including that iconic auto race the Daytona 500. A direct result of the millions of dollars available to candidates due to the Super-Pacs motivated not by what is good for the country but rather to buy access and influence legislationDaytona Blues

So much for the dignity and purity of sport
At Daytona political forces will the voters exhort
There is no safe haven to escape the campaign's hectic pace
The UAW will have an anti Mitt banner flying before and after the race
Santorum throws the dice and sponsors car number 22
What happens if it throws a rod early and is through?
God certainly listens to men and gives them what they need
But prayers from a race car He will not heed
Romney will be there as a spectator without banners or cars
Thank God with the engine noise any words will not go far
We can not escape this campaign and the general will be worse
Too much money a by-product of the Super-Pac curse.
A democracy to prosper, to endure must elect the very best
Integrity, intelligence, leadership not money should be the test

© Michael P. Ridley aka The Alaskanpoet
February 26, 2012

First Amendment Rights

The war on religious exercise and freedom escalated on Friday and although the issue involves the First Amendment, in the fine print it also involves the degree to which our federal government can dictate to its citizens the nature of the medical care they can receive or have to pay for. I am not Catholic and my ex-wife was and we in violation of Church doctrine we used contraceptives during our marriage. She was very devout and I am sure that in her confessions she probably asked for forgiveness. But to require a Church or a Church based organization to fund procedures which clearly violate the tenets of their faith is outrageous. There are 77 million Catholics in the U.S. This President is above his pay grade, inept, and one of the greatest divders we have ever seen. Hopefully those of faith will rise up as one and terminate his disasterous presicdency!

A Bitter Pill

I am not Catholic and believe the Church's policy on birth control is insane
Condemns millions into poverty and potential futures down the drain
But in the First Amendment I am the strongest supporter you will find
This latest ado on contraception shows Obama is literally out of his mind
Religion may ebb and flow
In times of chaos or war quickly grow
But to order the Church to ignore the rulings of its Pope
Is a government sliding down the tyrannical slope
I hope in services today across this country all churches rose as one
To insure that this election by the attackers of faith will not be won
© 2/12/2012 Michael P. Ridley aka The Alaskan Poet

Whitney Houston

Tragic news on Saturday on the eve of the Grammys. Whitney Houston dead at 48. In the movies Kevin Costner would have protected her. But in real life the siren song of drugs and alcohol is so strong, stronger than multiple rehabs. This poet could not carry a tune one step, but as a poet, deeply mourns the loss of a fellow artist. The autopsy is not out but this may be another case of Joplin, Hendricks, or Belushi...how many of the most talented humans on this planet need to die prematurely before we get a handle on drug use? Lohan you are a fraction of the talent of this woman, but if you do not get your act together her final moments way too soon are you

Whitney Singing to God

She had a voice that went so high to speak to God
And went so low to places most singers never trod
Humans are the only species that sing and carry a tune
So tragic when such a talent may have come to ruin
The Grammys were almost here private award reserve
How should the Grammys her memory preserve?
Moments of silence, her recordings of her songs, tearful accolades?
Another idea to join in Whitney's mournful parade
Maybe the music geared to drug use should fade
Too many singers an early price have already paid
Performing live must lead to unbelievable highs followed by great lows
The up and down be the ease to addiction sow
Whitney rest in peace our ears will never be the same
To be touched by such a voice to passions inflame
God made us in his image so music He must love
If we stare at the Northern Lights or stars we know you are singing to Him above.

© 2/12/2012 Michael P. Ridley aka The Alaskan Poet