Not This Time

They gathered in the 60s
And Ol’ Glory burned and tore
With all their hollow slogans such as
‘Let’s make love, not war.’

They took for granted freedoms
Struggled for in every clime.
But as their sequel gathers steam
We’re saying ‘Not this time.’

Peaceniks still don’t grasp the irony
As they demand free speech.
Atop soapboxes, with bullhorns
They curse and mock and preach.

And in our country that’s their right
‘Twas earned in blood and grime.
Secured by men they tried to shame
But not now, not this time.

Perhaps someone can tell me why
When marching on for “peace”
These protesters bring cans of paint
And beat upon police?

Their anti-war activities
Bought and paid by foreign dime,
They used to go unchallenged,
But we promise - not this time.

They assaulted soldiers coming home
With curse words, spit and worse.
All done, it’s claimed, in search of peace
No matter how perverse.

With Fonda, Kerry, Ramsey Clark,
And others past their prime,
They hope to relive “glory” days.
But hold on, not this time.

Their signs laced with profanity,
With swastikas and threats.
Parading by with coffins
Showing no signs of regret.

Demonstrating outside hospitals
With signs like “Maimed for Lies.”
Well, free speech is a two-way street
You’ve got company this time.

Outside the Capitol, perhaps
Is where these types belong.
But treading on such sacred ground
Is insolent and wrong.

They won’t disturb memorials,
Or other spots sublime.
They’ve damaged several in the past,
But trust me, not this time.

So on March 17th around
The Wall we will be lined.
Ensuring reverence does prevail,
No monuments maligned.

We’ll peacefully assemble,
And we’ll tolerate no crime.
Forty years ago they marched alone,
Forget it - not this time.

This story was written by: E.M. Cooper, USMC