Comments
ACCORDING TO LIZ -
Hark, the horrid angels sing:
Heil to America’s ostensible King.
While there’s no peace on earth, and no mercy mild,
And no City budget reconciled.
Oh, Budget Advocates, again arise.
And blast the City Council’s lies.
With Controller Meija continue to proclaim
L.A.’s finances are off the rails again.
Good Queen Bass, once by all adored,
By many firms and folk is now abhored.
Keeps smiling on but can’t keep promises to all;
Financial conundrums presage a fall.
From Council Chambers flows nothing righteous.
Angelenos reap no justice.
Behind closed doors at City Hall
Lobbyists hold too many in thrall.
Developers get massive tax breaks
While the economy shivers and quakes.
Neighborhood Councils duly enrolled
To bring City Hall under control
Have themselves been neutered
Undermined by DONE, and inadequately accoutered.
Can communities again rise up in arms
Against our nefarious Councilmembers’ charms?
All angry Angelenos, arise
Swamp phonelines and in-boxes with your cries.
Demand broad-reaching accountability
Topped off with total transparency.
The City can’t continue to defer its debt;
To save the economy, yes it’s going to hurt
But if we don’t confront these crises now
Los Angeles’ infrastructure will go ka-pow.
Mayor Bass and City Hall, do please listen.
Grant us fiscal justice, or risk perdition.
Restore people’s faith to where the outcome is
A future full of hope and promise.
To ensure for all true equity
Leadership must act with alacrity,
Embrace Charter change to be more democratic,
Stop departments being so bureaucratic.
Welcome Jack Humphreville to advise the Council.
Not taking his suggestions will put us all in peril.
Double down on vigorous and virtuous action
Till healthy budgets form a chain reaction.
So, instead of a day of reckoning,
Your praises joyful Angelenos will sing.
Hark, across the City this carol rings
Praise to all who our salvation brings!
(Liz Amsden resides in Vermont and is a regular contributor to CityWatch on issues that she is passionate about. She can be reached at [email protected].)
