What happens when we refuse the right of others to be wrong? 

Can we call ourselves (small-d) democrats if,

you tell me something and I respond,

“You are wrong and un-American for thinking it.”

You are wrong when you think something I don’t agree with.

You are wrong and therefore unworthy

of my negative status that I will thrust upon you.

I will eventually imply you shouldn’t exist.

But, I won’t come right out and say it.

That’s just crass!

My civilization is defined by adherence

to a principle,

a code of conduct, or,

characteristic connection,

but I ‘m sick.  I’ve got a democratic infliction.

I can’t bear to think of myself as the tyrant-king,

because that schtick went out of style in the 70’s,

with the movie Arthur.

You just can’t brandish a monocle in public anymore,

chomping on an expensive, smelly cigar

sending smoky, blue plumes

cascading into tight, enclosed, public spaces.

Because I can doesn’t mean I should.

However, it would seem, a democrat

allows others the right to be wrong.

A true democrat doesn’t prepare their final decision

before the debate takes place.

Working properly, citizens are rarely exiled.

because the right to be wrong is understood from the moment we open our mouths.

If democracy is what we seek, count me in.

But if we only call what we do democracy,

it’s time to rethink the whole game.

Why be ashamed to be called a capitalist?

The world doesn’t have to be all equality and bunny rabbits.

Henry Ford and Andrew Carnegie left big shoes to be filled.

And they were honest about their intentions!