Renounce, Resist, Revolt
Instead of killing health insurance CEOs, let's change the system that spawns them.
Yes, it’s Friday the 13th. If I were superstitious, I would care—but I’m gloom-and-doom even on days associated with good fortune. Fuck the Knights Templar too. Those swine needed to fall in line.
(Note: If you don’t know the reference, then you don’t know the history of Friday the 13th and should probably get a life.)
Speaking of lives, it’s time to weigh in on the top news story of the week. As someone who has suffered from two separate chronic illnesses—both of which have flummoxed the medical system for a combined ten years—I have strong feelings about the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the media’s obsession with the murder, and the public’s response.
I know that poetry isn’t in vogue, but strong emotions sometimes require a different medium. I figured I should also take the opportunity to honor the great Nikki Giovanni, who recently passed to the other side. Of course, I am in no way comparing myself to her. Most of you responded negatively to a poll I sent out last month on the question of whether you want to see Madman Matt write poetry—but I wouldn’t be much of a “madman” or a “man” at all if I always hopped on the bandwagon, now, would I?
This is the first poem I’ve written in five years. Enjoy!
Renounce, Resist, Revolt
The killer from my home state
Wrote three words with a “D”
His young heart is full of hate
But he has my sympathy
Healthcare CEOs don’t care
Counting their millions of lies
Taking more than their fair share
They laugh when a patient dies
Bill you first and treat you never
Punish you for being sick
I say we make them pay forever
But bullets won’t do the trick
Yes, one villain is dead
But Capitalism is alive
To claim others in his stead
Only the fittest can survive
To stop those “D’s” I say resist
Renounce, revolt, refuse
I know you are just as pissed
What have we got to lose?