RAP RAP RAP

How many Congressional Republicans proved willing
to treat democracy like a pinata?

Nearly 200 flailed recklessly,
admits their own party’s Accountability Project (RAP)
grading efforts that upheld or weakened democracy.

Only 14 Republicans stood tall, earning A’s,
while 174 disappointed, receiving F or D-
for actions undermining democracy’s foundations.

That’s a well-deserved RAP on the knuckles
of those willing to sacrifice democratic institutions
on the altar of selfish political ambition—

but also a warning that democracy’s light
will shine only as bright as we resolve to make it.

Coming years will grade the citizenry as well.
Sad for America should history’s rap
on our knuckles arrive too late.

About the Poem

The Republican Accountability Project (RAP) faults many Congressional Republicans for actions that weakened democracy. The four grading criteria: 1) Did he or she object to the certification of Electoral College votes from at least one state? 2) Did he or she make public statements that cast doubt on the legitimacy of the 2020 election? 3) Did he or she vote to hold Trump accountable via impeachment or conviction? 4) Did he or she support the lawsuit to the Supreme Court that sought to nullify votes cast in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Georgia?

About the Author

Darrell Petska is a Madison, Wisconsin writer. His work has appeared in Buddhist Poetry Review, Nixes Mate Review, Right Hand Pointing, Boston Literary Magazine, Verse-Virtual, Loch Raven Review, and widely elsewhere. See his published work at conservancies.wordpress.com.