“In Every Cry"… (an Anaphora)

By Dennis Lowery

I’m sure most of us (and I am one) are glad to soon be shut of the incessant political ads. The ads (from both parties) disgust me. Mostly because that is now the way people get elected to political office. Not through a clear and factual understanding of the issues and presentation of how to address them. Rather it’s through who can scare the hell out of enough people so that they mindlessly vote for them instead of their opponent. A sad state of affairs indeed.

Listen,

I… mark in every face I meet

Marks of weakness, marks of woe.

In every cry of every man,

In every infant's cry of fear,

In every voice, in every ban,

The mind-forged manacles I hear…

 -          from William Blake’s “London”

Political ads are designed to play on fears.

Are designed to shackle clear thinking.

Are designed to make the viewer “a simple button to push”.

Push enough and get elected.

The people don’t want ads like that. The people deserve (and should demand) better. The people—the working class people that make up the majority of Americans—just want politicians that do their jobs and that are proper stewards of our trust. And that they serve with the interest of the people at heart.

Not just at the beginning.

Not just enough to get elected.

Not just while everyone is looking/listening.

And to feel that responsibility deep inside—for now—for tomorrow—for always (or at least as long as they are in office).

I see the rallies and I see those not on such a stage. I see the need of the people.

The elections once done… will I see the leaders we so sorely need…?

I hope you, the reader, chose to vote for those who came closest to the ideal of dealing in facts and issues, not fear and insults.

That was my criteria.

That is the person who got my vote