on Avdiivka

the city near surrounded
decision needed to stay and die
or get out while there’s some time

the Russian forces force retreat
even though they suffer too
sending maimed and injured
back behind the lines

Zelenskiy implores the west
send more arms
or this will mean more nations
will also come to harm

the deep reserves of national debts
that fund the arms he’s demanded
prove that economies can bear the cost
when a war or two is involved

but dare you ask for money
to fund the NHS
or to run local services
you’ll get short-shrift

the lie is there’s no money
when it simply oils the wheels
keeps things moving so we can live

so why one rule for wars and spivs
and another one for decent wages
community services and health?

the truth is that public spending leads to increased wealth

it doesn’t need to go to shareholders
but to working people who bear the weight
of the greedy on their shoulders

so send Zelenskiy the arms he needs but don’t stop there
invest in the towns we live in
make sure everyone is treated fair

~

n.b. If you have never wondered how the wars are funded by governments who say there’s no money, it is time to think about it. The supply-side, free market extremist politicians know their ideology is wrong, but they are going to die rich trying to prove otherwise.

CLP 17/02/2024