The American Dream

I wrote this over the past week.

Was concerned it was not positive enough to be blog-worthy.
I have been assured - it is as positive as can be.
The American Dream is ALWAYS positive.

For those that view it twice, my apologies, but feel free to share.

The American Dream

~ by Lynette Marinello

In the dank, dark, slimy corners of our Washington DC

Pacts are made, sweaty palms meet, with no regard for you and me

Pockets lined and prices paid, corruption runs amok

Secrets kept, laws tossed aside, in the name of 'deals' being struck

There is no better party, both have failed us at the base

Electoral promises are nothing but lies told to our collective face

They are puppeteers pulling strings, inciting hate from right and left

Stealing, bit by bit, our freedoms; a most egregious theft

You cannot honestly believe that 'your' side is above reproach

Both sides lie and cheat and steal - the charisma's all in the approach

Beliefs are swayed and bought, bills packed with favors galore

Neither side is free of this; just one big giant political whore

Four entire years mired in vitriolic hate

Right and wrong and left and right, a continuous ugly debate

A coddled generation based on 'self' and 'what's for me?'

Entitled, spoiled, trophy-laden, everything for free

The little orange man did not start the great divide

It's up to us, Americans, to ensure the chasm's width subsides

Remember when the news used to actually tell the news?

And weight was not afforded to what some entertainer spews

The Lady in the Harbor stood for limitless inclusion

Now she weeps in horror at all the greed and grand delusion

A peaceful right to protest is a gift of voice and might

Not an open invitation to loot and riot through the night.

America's a country in which you're free to stand or take a knee

But we've forgotten that we're also blessed with the choice to disagree

I may not believe what you believe and you may disapprove of my opine

But the differing of viewpoints does not an enemy define

For in the compromise of causes, there is always common ground

A place to begin rebuilding where we are equally yoked and bound

Greatness comes from struggles, violence blocks the path

Communication opens doors and open minds can quell the wrath

Due process is the judgement made with face and rule of law

Not swayed by your emotion or the cell-phone camera in your paw

America, America, God shed his grace on thee

Black and blue and ALL lives matter, that's true equality

We're an extraordinary country, founded in diversity

Countless overcomings with the strength of unity

So while you take a knee, perhaps you'll say a prayer

And while you stand in judgement, perhaps you'll do your share

Beyond the noise and static, patriotism reigns supreme

Stand tall, it still exists, that beautiful American dream.