Michael Hoban, Ph.D.

I

Liberal or conservative - what is really in a word?
Republican or Democrat - these terms are often heard.

These labels are not truly what sets us each apart
But what we truly treasure in the precincts of our heart.

For some believe that business is what makes the U.S. great
While others hold compassion is the key to this estate.

While some would say that freedom and an open door
Have given us our special place for now and evermore.

Still others find that force and might give us our great appeal
And must be used at every turn to keep our freedom real.

II

It does seem strange that those who "Christianity" would speak
Are often those who would decline to turn the other cheek.

There are those who seem to think that opposition to a war
Is equivalent to welcoming the terror to our shore.

They seem to favor phrases like: "Giving solace to the foe"
And questioning the motives of those who would go slow

In sending our beloved youth to fight in foreign lands -
And ignoring world opinion - to get blood upon our hands.

III

It's one thing to be peacekeepers - a task we all can see
But destroying someone else's land - in a ruse to make them free?

True patriots are not the ones who want that desert oil
But rather those who work and pray so that our native soil

Will soon be free from arrogance from those who lead the land.
And then perhaps compassion can guide our nation's hand.

Michael Hoban, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus of the City University of NY
He can be reached at mike_hoban@msn.com.