These words are printed on a sign,
discovered every day online,
heard broadcast on the local news,
discussed where people share their views.
New motto for our land?
I never thought I\'d see the day -
when leaders sworn to represent
ignore the reason they were sent,
in favor of a ballot box
or photo ops on channel Fox.
I never thought I\'d see the day -
when truth was tossed aside for lies,
the nation\'s meaning jeopardized
as we become a laughing stock
for jokes that ridicule and mock
the sad but comic show.
My list grows longer every day:
unprincipled, immoral, incapable, corrupt.
To what extent can we disrupt
the basic values we hold dear
to live in shame, divisive fear?
For in a time we can\'t predict,
we\'ll realize this deep conflict
of politics and culture\'s norms
has changed the fundamental form
of who we really are.
A friend once told me, long ago,
\"when things are tough, I caution you:
there\'s really nothing you can do;
sit back, enjoy the bumpy ride.
Integrity just put aside
until another day.
It\'s all a game we play.\"
Well, friend, out there, not far away,
concealed, for now, within the haze
of pompous greed, a voice is raised.
One message, one alone the voice repeats,
six words that float through towns and streets
for everyone to hear.
We are better than all this.
We are better than all this.