  Note—(The Oklahoma Legislature has a republican majority in both houses, and the following is supposed to be uttered by one of the democratic minority.) To the Sleek and Fat Majority: We recognize your smoke, And in meek and humble fashion we have passed beneath the yoke; We've no foolish reservations: all the earth is yours to claim With the grandeur of its glory and the fullness of its fame; So accept our due submission; all we ask is that you give Ample chance to filibuster and preserve the right to live! In the manner that Respectable Minorities behave, We shall justify the title while the heathen rage and rave; And according as 'tis written we shall every one be good, Though we smash the logs you're rolling into fancy kindling-wood, While we stir the sleeping animals with long and lively prods To the pleasure of the nations and the laughter of the gods! To divide the loaves and fishes as the bosses made command! Fifty places for five hundred hungry souls that wild cavort Is a work requiring statesmen of the most exalted sort: And we weep our tears of sorrow as we're looking on at you, While you bump the heads of many and anoint the chosen few! You shall pass appropriations, tossing out the toothsome "pork," In a way to please the faithful and to keep the "boys at work;" And whatever seems the proper thing majorities should do, Why, the ocean's there before you and the course is up to you; But remember as you voyage that we have a little boat, And we're always steering madly tow'rd a record making vote! We'll play our own part bravely, and we'll play it o'er and o'er: Approve, condemn, and criticize, like statesmen gone before; We'll rant about "the people, sir!" and shout "economy!" And long preserve our "honesty"—unstained and white as snow: Since you have swiped the offices, that's all we have, you know! And our task shall be most pleasant! Underneath the shade we'll flop While you fellows do the sweating for the legislative crop! We shall criticize your labors; if you reach the roads of doubt, We shall lend the hand of wisdom and in mercy lead you out; And at last, the harvest gathered, we shall sift the good and true For our own exalted portion while we leave the bad for you! And after while the time will come, howbeit soon or late, When we shall guide the government and steer the ship of state,— When we shall trade our craft for yours, and our proud flag shall float O'er battle-ships of greater things as people then shall vote; And then we'll show you something else beyond the hearty strife, And do our best to visit you with touch of higher life! |
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