How to Fix a Republic
Artist unknown HOW TO FIX A REPUBLIC A Checklist in Stanzas for the Day After the Sweep I. THE MORNING AFTER When November has finished its business with ballots and ink, while the old guard is blinking, too stunned yet to think, let nobody mistake a left-wing victory lap for a cure for the rot, or dead mice in the trap. The voters have handed us hammer and nails, now build something sturdy that outlasts the jails. First, open the windows and air out the room, let the sunlight expose what was hidden in gloom. Preserve every record, each memo and file, each vanished appointment, each sweetheart deal's smile. If somebody's shredding, go stand by the bin, Democracy's housecleaning starts from within. Put watchdogs to work with their noses held high, let no political bulldog decide what they spy. An inspector must inspect, not applaud the parade, nor turn tail when the boss says bills must be paid. Give watchdogs teeth and the budget to bite, and make sure their reports see the...
