CALM Publishing

SPLIT SCREEN

 

A split-screen version of reality. –

One sees a population to be managed –

To allow and encourage behavior. –

What is allowed and what is encouraged

Change with each election.

            Another screen shows a version

            Of independent individuals

Forming families capable of self-sufficiency.

These open opportunities exist

With very limited government impediments

            Lead to disparities of outcome –

            Meaning abject poverty for some

            And untold wealth for a few

A country wherein 65% of households

Live paycheck to paycheck

With minimal savings

Illustrates the risk of inappropriate behavior.

Illness, age, education and other factors prevail

And government must balance interests

To best prosper and compete in the world economy.

            Into this cauldron

            Steps the press

            Capable, with tech

 and capital and algorithms

            To tilt the scale’s balance point

            Targeting voters with volume and emotion

            High production values

            Dripping an endless message

            In a hundred styles and dialects

Each voter must decide

But the facts and repercussions

Are superficially discussed and disclosed

Until after the fact, if ever.

And the results have already been spun                                          220310.1