A political scientist once recommended the book, Constructing the Political Spectacle, by Murray Edelman (1988). It seems to be a book that constantly applies.
Oh, the problems
over there in that city
where buildings sag
and people collide,
stuporous from toil
and streaming their lives.
Here at the carnival,
all lights and salt and sugar,
our leaders and those who
would replace them
have slathered on
the clown makeup.
They ride the wheels
and loops above. They
shout, "We'll save the city!"
We don't believe them
but we cheer.
hans ostrom 2022
