The New Norm

The norm in Washington has turned to lies
As augurs a democracy’s demise.

All men of politics, upon occasion,
Practice obscurity, at times evasion,

But in today’s milieu, one party has
Brought lies to a nivel hard to surpass,

So that, when such a party member speaks,
Dishonesty must be presumed—the sneaks!

No party is exempt, from wayward dealing,
Within the ranks, each man his own concealing,

But drastically transfigured is the field
From days when shame kept shameless acts concealed.

With such transgressors of propriety
The role models which children have to see— 

Disdain for rules, for fair play, being kind— 
What licenses develop in the mind?

Transgression of a rule depends upon
The certitude that it is never done,

But as mores dismantle, time by time,
Chaos grows from a plethora of crime,

Until no man dare let the truth escape
His lips, but words with careful dodges drape.

So discourse, on which government depends,
Ceases, and self-rule democratic ends.