Pakistan's Blind Poet

I want to thank Mr. Barry, who didn't exactly give me permission to borrow his post, but I'm sure he won't mind. Mr. Barry, I love your work.

Pakistan's blind poet

This is just astonishing. Somehow a pro-Bush poem titled "The Leader" made its way into a school textbook in Pakistan, and of course nobody can explain how it happened and they'll be deleting it in next year's edition. Someone involved in the book's content must have thought it would be beneficial to sneak in this poem, which appears to reference an anonymous Great Leader but is obviously referencing Bush once you look at the letters which begin each line. Of course, even if the letters didn't spell his name, only the most mindless, blindly-voting invertebrates people out there would ever think of Bush while reading a poem like this. I mean, come on. Even the most die-hard supporters of the war can't possibly think that he's this virtuous...because, let's face it, nobody really is.

Naturally I wanted to come up with my own version of this ridiculous poem, so I'll stick them side-by-side for contrast. :-)

The Leader by Anonymous Patient and steady with all he must bear, Ready to meet every challenge with care, Easy in manner, yet solid as steel, Strong in his faith, refreshingly real. Isn't afraid to propose what is bold, Doesn't conform to the usual mould, Eyes that have foresight, for hindsight won't do, Never backs down when he sees what is true, Tells it all straight, and means it all too. Going forward and knowing he's right, Even when doubted for why he would fight, Over and over he makes his case clear, Reaching to touch the ones who won't hear. Growing in strength he won't be unnerved, Ever assuring he'll stand by his word. Wanting the world to join his firm stand, Bracing for war, but praying for peace, Using his power so evil will cease, So much a leader and worthy of trust, Here stands a man who will do what he must.

The Dangerous Idiot by B. Lancaster Policies built upon lobbyist dough, Ready to bomb when the V.P. says so, Edgy and flustered when forced to debate, Shallow and stupid supporters relate, Isn't about to admit that he lied, Doesn't seem fazed by the soldiers who've died, Eyeing the oil as his primary goal, Never decides without checking the polls, Tells endless lies to America's face, Grins like a twit while we bear his disgrace, Ever the patsy to big corporations, Over and over he takes their donations, Riding the waves of America's fears, Getting us trapped in a war which spans years, Ever in favor of curbing our freedoms, Walking in step with Republican Christians, Bringing us war and yet promising peace, Using our troops as the planet's police, Soon he will be out of office at last, How to undo what's been done by this ass?