Press Serfdom

PRESS SERFDOM

There is a man called Press Freedom
Who never can tolerate checks
On Man's soaring spirit nor
Submit to imperious dictates
But must always stoutly defend
Basic human rights unfettered.

In splendour regal Freedom surveys
All his cherished ideas blossoming
Across the ages in Man's hearts
Taking deep roots in fertile ground
Nurtured everywhere with unceasing love
Until enshrined in hallowed laws.

Then comes a shadow galloping in fury
On his scarred shoulder he bears
A harrowing burden, in hoary hand
A scimitar he fiercely grips
"My name is Press Serfdom!" he bellows
Down hard he comes on Freedom.

Indomitable ideas in proud array
March in step with Freedom's song
Intrepid dogmas in steel armour
Strut to the throb of Serfdom's shrieks
One so sweet and soothing to hear
The other filled with rancour.

Long and hard Serfdom peers
Rank and file thump their chests
"Down with liberty! Control the Press!"
Serfdom cheers on the thirsty mob
Flame of independence snuffed out
Soon all is silence and docile.

"Yes men" with blinkers enthroned
Owe blind allegiance to tyranny
Their souls they sold to Serfdom
No words of Freedom can sprout
Or pass unscathed the scissors' cut
For all ideas must bend to Serfdom's whims.

A powerful tool to mould public opinion
Grows malleable in Serfdom's paws
Every line a shameless submission
Every article a slanted scream
Meekness blended into greyness
Truth and falsehood unrecognisable.

Serfdom's reach stretches far and wide
Subtly in lands of the free and brave
Overtly where mockery for Man triumphs
In nearly every turf of human endeavour
Serfdom a handy tool to exploit or strike
For self-aggrandizement or glorification.

A malicious grin plays on Serfdom's lips:
"Press in my vicious grip will suffocate
"Not even plucky hearts my wishes will defy!"
Homage to Serfdom Man will forever pay
Serfdom's lamp never ever will fade
To trammel the Press is joy exquisite.

~Phlip Rodrigues~

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