Beware of Populist Demagogues*

Beware of populist demagogues.

Don't let them be misunderstood:

They build their popularity

Without promoting the public good.

 

They pander to passions and prejudice

And also hold reason and truth in contempt.

From all accountability

Demagogues want to remain exempt.

 

They are masters of the masses

And try to tear down norm after norm.

Using tricks to betray the people,

They are experts at how to perform.

 

Using their popular support,

They undermine our institutions.

Swindling us through sophistry,

They stand firm in their resolutions.

 

Wearing contempt that they invite

As a badge of honor, they hope

That no one scrutinizes them

Or puts them under a microscope.

 

Notice their quest for unrestrained power,

Their hunger for vengeance, their thirst for control.

Support for ideas that violate

The rights of others is often their goal.

 

Controlling the hearts and minds of the people,

They want you to think that they are friends.

Then they leverage your support

For their own political ends.

 

It's scary to think that Americans

Could eagerly cast their vote in a fog,

Electing a dangerous person who is

Clearly a populist demagogue.

 

-by Bob B (11-9-24)

*Inspired by the writings of Dani Rudrik, Eli Merritt, and Emily Pears