“They can do free speech on their own time.” (Steve Mnuchin)
A “bought-and-sold” respect—
A job done after threatening,
Its innate charter wrecked.
If I must stand by force, not love,
To stand before my flag,
Even Fort Knox lacks gold enough
To put me in the bag.
I stood with pride, hand o’er my heart,
Before it was compelled,
But threats tear “mystic chords” apart
And meanings that were held.
When words become a noxious screed
And flags merely a “brand,”
An emblem emphasizing greed,
By God, I will not stand.