The United States of Impunity (11-28-2010)
There appear to be basic flaws
In the idea that we are a country of laws
Since everywhere I look I see
Examples of flagrant impunity.
Furthermore, we’re not changing gears
Since it goes back over a hundred years
In the war with Spain our motives were pure
We did our Christian duty sure
We came, we liberated and then we took
And put the heathen brown people on the hook
And so we have been doing this for years
Taking territory and causing tears
Supporting dictators, oligarchs and rapacious corporations
Acting for all intents as if they were sovereign.
From Palmer-Mitchell to Cointelpro it runs
The CIA: Iran Contra drug money for guns
Inundating South Central LA in crack cocaine
And devastation throughout the community reigns
Torture-why the CIA’s been studying it for years
There is nothing new at AbuGraib I fear
Just ask Professor Alfred McCoy
Who’s familiar with the CIA’s TOYS!
And King George about water boarding on TV says damn right
After carefully studying the Geneva Conventions up tight
Yes with John Yoo providing phony torture memos
Clearly meant to provide a cover
And or course shrewdly include the opposition
So as to preclude investigations
And letting the bad apples at Abu Graib sing their song
Hell, the whole world knew it was you all along
Illegal wiretapping –no sweat—keep on doin’ it
Congress is spineless and gives him immunity
Another example of flagrant impunity
But perhaps the most galling of all
Is what happened when the bankers fall
Fraud and deceit put on justice the onus
Of prosecution—but no—we gave them their bonus.
Howard P. Charman, MD 11-28-2010