Written in 1791 by Scots poet and tax collector Robert Burns, “A Parcel of Rogues” was his heated response to the loathsome “Act of Union” with England. In October 2013, I merely fiddled with Burns’ lyrics during the Tea Party’s shutdown of the U.S. government. It didn’t take much. Me and Burns share the same muse. In January 2017, the depth of the treason committed by craven politicians upon our democracy has become appallingly apparent. We sing this with 3 ravens. And when we have to, we march.
—
Away with independence dear
Farewell to freedom’s glory
And farewell to our lighted lamp
So famed in immigrant story
From Calgary to the Gulf Coast sands
Koch’s oil pours to the ocean
To mark where corporate’s province stands
Such a parcel of rogues in a nation
What force or guile could not subdue
Through many warlike ages
Is wrought now by a coward few
For hireling traitor’s wages
Direct attack we could sustain
With heroes at their station
But media lies have been our bane
Such a parcel of rogues in a nation
I wish I’d never seen the day
When treason thus could sell us
When hate and greed would have their sway
Led by religious zealots
With breath and power till my last hour
I make this declaration
We are bought and sold for corporate gold
Such a parcel of rogues in a nation
new words © 2013 Donna Hébert