Partisan Bickering
A Political Poem
The battle between right and left goes on
Ideological tensions increase
Partisan bickering will rage on
Until our debates about freedom cease
Two forms of freedom are really at stake:
Freedom from constraint or interference
And freedom to, of life, what we wish make
Both positions are worthy of defense
The right wishes to be left quite alone
To ruggedly face life’s myriad trials;
The left insists that the state can loan
The toothless the means to improve their smiles
The two can be moved to cooperate
Free from and free to, we can write our fate
About the Creator
D. J. Reddall
I write because my time is limited and my imagination is not.
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Why Black History Matters in America?
The United States of America is celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2026. I'm proud to be an American and as someone who was born here, I wouldn't imagine myself living anywhere else. This is a country where opportunities are possible. Where anyone can be successful in anything they desire to do. Equality, community, and togetherness are the backbones of what America is and should be about. However, we have an administration who wants to erase and disregard those who have made positive, meaningful impacts in our country, specifically Black figures, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. President Trump and his administration have been constantly complaining and fighting against what they call the "Woke agenda". They use this excuse as a distraction from other issues they refuse to address, such as the high cost of living, climate change, and inflation. That equality is dividing America, when in reality, it's bringing us together. Being woke is not tied to a specific political party. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you can still care about other people and their plights. Compassion and empathy for others isn't tied to a political party, either. We were taught as children to treat others the way we want to be treated and not judge others because they're different from us. Caring about others isn't a personal attack on your beliefs. It doesn't make you any less of a person. People who are easily offended over African American figures, past or present, or anything related to it, are grasping at straws. Current and future generations need to know who people like Harriet Tubman and Shirley Chisholm were, especially in the classroom. Black History is part of American History. It should be recognized, not hidden or forgotten. Besides, you can't shield children from everything, just because your feelings are easily hurt.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 3 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (6)
Indeed. The two-party system is the illusion of choice as they’re opposite sides of the same coin—and we’re all being shortchanged.
Thought provoking piece!
Amazing job! Keep up the outstanding work
Whoaaaa, this was extremely powerful! Loved your poem!
There seems to be no one left arguing for the middle ground, that we need a little bit of both, so I approve of your message. "freedom" is a nonsense meaningless word when everyone is paying taxes, and following thousands of rules. My dad wasn't allowed to plant a cactus in his front yard in Arizona (until he spent months on the local approval process)
Interesting. I found your statement about the left insists the state can loan. I don't see it that way. I see it as the left working toward putting our tax dollars rightfully back where they belong - to we the tax payers. Programs such as social security, medicare, and so forth are not hand outs from the government but they are programs which put those tax dollars to work for the tax payers. I strongly feel that my tax dollars should be invested in programs that will one day help me get by in my day to day life. I also feel my tax dollars should be going to things like infrastructure - this is very important and for health care. I take care of my 87 year old mom. We live in California and thank goodness for that. California has many programs available that assist the elderly and the sick. More states around the U.S. should have more beneficial health care programs as does California. Again these are not hand outs from the government - but my tax dollars going to work to help me (and my loved ones) most when we need the help the most.