Victims as propaganda (a poem)

Victims as propaganda, the ploy of the unfeeling Left.

Using the distressed and bewildered is totally bereft

Of any human kindness, compassion or understanding,

Propping up those weakened and dazed and summarily demanding

The world take note of their wrenching words, deviously force fed

By manipulators pulling their strings and with flattery turning each head.

The old media headline these ranters to the exclusion of all the others,

Who bore the same horrors they bore, as husbands, wives and mothers.

They are guilty of sensation spreading, of shameful tragedy tweaking,

When it's serious and honest reporting and truth they should be seeking.

Let's call exploitation what it is and dirty tricks what they are,

And trust the American people to refuse to drink at that bar.

Mimi Evans Winship   6 12 06