They cared not a whit
what the public might think
"Let them eat cake,"
some said with a wink.

And putting their thumbs
to the tip of their nose,
they waved as they shouted
"Just About Anything goes!"

They scoffed at the thought
that we might resent,
a tax cut for the wealthy
of a posh percent.

They've got  pre-requisites
franking, per diem, and more 
bargain-priced haircuts
and gyms (three or four!)

Paid speaking engagements
and meals on the cuff,
celebrity status --
(they've sure got it tough!),

Yet they claim they're in touch
with the man on the street,
as John Q. Public struggles
to make both ends meet.

If all workers decided
just what they were due,
they'd be getting all
those fat paychecks too!

But while we take cutbacks
or raises quite small,
and one out of 20
has no job at all,

Our millionaire Congress
decides on the budget pay
trimming Medicare and Medicaid
will do it, they say.

In this season for giving,
our Congress is taking.
We've had it with them
and our backs are breaking.

With hard times, disasters,
and layoffs on our dockets,
we bit down on the bullet
as they fill their pockets!

Oh jobless, oh homeless,
oh desperate and needy
dare anyone say
our Congress is greedy?

If in this feeling
I'm not alone,
take up your pen
or pick up your phone.

As dry leaves before
the wild hurricane fly,
let the road of your anger
mount up into the sky.

Indignant, outraged,
appalled and beset
let your congressman know
that you won't ever forget!

When election times comes
and we're certain that it will,
you're voting him out
for passing that bill.

More rapid than eagles,
their elections assured
they toasted each other
and laughed at the herd.

And I heard them exclaim
with adjournment at hand,
"Merry Christmas to us,
and the public be damned!