America has no monopoly
On white nationalism and hate,
Which the recent shootings in
The mosques in New Zealand demonstrate.

Men, women, and children were slaughtered
While praying on a holy day
When a deranged hater decided
Their lives were his to take away.

It doesn't help when Trump comes off
Sounding like an Islamophobe.
To see evidence of that
Doesn't require a Mueller probe.

Calling for a Muslim ban
During his campaign, he sought
To gain support by stoking fears
And HE knows how to stir the ***.

His vitriol continues as he
Calls asylum seekers invaders
And stone-cold criminals, thereby
Inciting his abhorrent crusaders.

Use fear and what happens?
The consequences prove to be dire.
We see what kinds of maniacs
That vile and odious words inspire--

Maniacs filled with anger,
Malice, bitterness, and spite,
Who think it is a privilege
And special honor to be white.

We all have a duty: we must
Use our vote to shut off the spigots
Of extremism and hatefulness--
To stop electing hateful bigots.

The world grieves as innocent people
Lose their lives while at prayer.
Terrorists want us to think
That we aren't safe anywhere.

Offering sympathy is fine,
But frankly, inaction has its flaws.
Instead of requesting thoughts and prayers,
New Zealanders will change gun laws.

-by Bob B (3-16-19)