Wrecked by the One, Big Beauty
(tune: The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (1976),
Gordon Lightfoot)
The legislation was long from Congress handed down
Of the act they called the One Big Beauty.
The Act, they said, will be nothing to dread
When voters of November do their duty.
With tax cuts and GOP spree, 6 trillions (for free!),
And offset “fraud cuts” well short of that amount.
Those people it screwed may be rather rude
When the votes of November are counted.
The Act was the pride of the GOP side
Coming from the minds of their moneyed backing.
As Big bamboozles go, it was the Big-ly show
And sent welfare, education, and healthcare packing.
Making sweet deals with a couple of Big Wheels
They set off for their One Big Compromise.
Not a Dem did they heed ‘cause they had no need
‘Though some holdouts gave them a Tiny Surprise.
The talk in the hall caused an occasional stall
For only a few Nays could end the proceeding.
Reps from purple states were in difficult straits
And deficit hawks saw our debts all breeding.
The dusk went by and the amendments did fly
With the fears of November reversals.
But despite protests most all voted with the rest
Unable to perform as well as at rehearsals.
Through the House it squeaked as its foes were piqued,
But now the Senate needed to give its approval.
The Parliamentarian would read and decide if indeed
The Byrd Rule required some House parts’ removal.
The House Leader pled “please don’t change or it’s dead;
I’m not sure how long I can keep so many arms twisted.”
But the Senate has its ways and procedures to obey
And some Senators with problems they had listed.
Does anyone know where politicians’ spines go
When the debates turn from facts to fiction?
The partisans all say you must agree with OUR way
And give new meaning to Men of Conviction.
Many posture and pose and recite well-scripted prose,
Then vote “yea” with well-meaning hesitation.
Though the Act has many a flaw, for now make it law
And we will pledge to fix it in future legislation.
So the Act rolls out and the people shout
At each other as much as their politicians.
The internet streams with the bickering screams
As everyone prepares to defend their positions.
And way down below where less aid will flow
Folks may think the olden days have returned.
The Fifties were “fun” and anyone could be shunned
And our lessons since have all been unlearned.
