PHIL WIELAND: A poet of little note urges you to vote

Another Tuesday approaches when we make our selections

Between a rock or a hard place in the local elections.

Candidates with dreams of voters filling their head

Stagger house to house like the dawn of the dead.

Fliers they carry with a long list of good deeds,

And promises that seem to proliferate like weeds.

Every honor they've earned from birth to today

Is included, although, to be fair, it's hard to say

If that summer camp perfect attendance pin

Will really improve a person's chances to win

Or give them the kind of insights so keen

For balancing budgets and keeping them lean.

Each has a log of all the groups that endorsed them

And a family portrait — all smiling like someone forced them.

It seems their lives are a living fairy tale,

Tho' all the kids are either in rehab or jail.

On all the literature they send that's mailable,

They all will make sure more jobs are available.

If they are elected, they will be so inspired

They will make sure all their relatives are hired.

Read all the VIPs' collected quotes for them,

When even their own parents don't vote for them.

Every incumbent wants another four years,

Like staying home is one of their worst fears.

They all want to finish projects started or undone,

Of which they make sure to leave at least one.

They believe term limits are healthy and wise

Unless they win. Then only to the others it applies.

Some preach progress and a new day for all

While some say turn back the clock, like it's fall.

"Take back the government" they holler, but

They aren't real clear on take it back from what.

"Stop the government's wild spending spree,

And cut all the programs that don't help me."

So, as the candidates march up to your door,

One promising this, another promising more,

Don't scream in terror as they come 'cross the lawn.

Don't lock the doors and pretend to be gone.

They come in peace just to talk to you

For they are afflicted with the campaign flu.

It's safe to approach them, they feel so neglected.

You might be bored, but you won't be infected.

Try to figure out the thoughts that are true

And which are the rantings of campaign flu.

Don't listen if they take a negative tone

On their opponent. Just say you have a bone

To pick with that campaign tactic because it

Could be they have their own bone-filled closet.

On Tuesday don't vote only along party lines

Or for the candidate with the prettiest yard signs.

Choose the people with real vision and a brain

And not the ones who just whine and complain.

Vote no matter what your personal compunction.

We don't want to suffer from electile dysfunction.

The opinions are those of the writer. He can be reached at phil.wieland@nwi.com or (219) 548-4352.