The poet William Stafford set himself the task of writing a poem a day. When someone asked him what he would do when his poem-of-the-day wasn't very good, he replied "I simply lower my standards." In order to increase output, the bar here is set at a low level - the point of this is to have some fun with current events and politics. I welcome contributions and comments. Now you can also follow Doggerelo on Twitter (@doggerelo). Because of continuing medical problems, I'm no longer able to post a poem-a-day. I'll continue to post poems, but at a reduced frequency, so please stay tuned.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Michelle's Way with Words

Michelle Bachmann accused President Obama of “waving a tar baby in the air” in an effort to blame certain firms for manipulating the oil market.  As explained by Alicia Cohn of The Hill, “The term 'tar baby' is a racially loaded phrase coined in the 'Brer Rabbit' tales. The term generally means a 'sticky situation,' but has also been used as a derogatory term for a black person.”  Waving a tar baby in the air makes little sense, but perhaps Rep. Bachmann, like Sarah Palin and Shakespeare before her, is extending language in a new direction.  Ms. Bachmann concluded her interview with this statement:  "The president is a complete and utter fraud and a hypocrite on this issue, with all due respect."

Michelle knows just what to say
But at times she gets carried away.
Just what is that waving out there?
It’s “a tar baby in the air”.
Her choice of words here was poor -
It’s not a good metaphor -
And there are bad connotations to "tar baby"
But perhaps some folks would say maybe
She didn’t know what she conveyed,
What a racist remark she had made.

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