Matter, Don't Mind
by Rachel Hoyt
Image by Idea Go
Dr. Seuss said those who matter don't mind
and those that mind don't matter,
but what if one day we find
neither is true - especially the latter?
No Seussical land imagined the web
spreading dumb thoughts far and wide.
His statement meant more spoken to a deb
with strict conduct by which to abide.
To those who have flailed their opinions
as often and loudly as possible,
it's normal to wish for censoring minions,
but is this wish truly plausible?
Can we keep our right to say what we mean
while policing the websites that do wrong?
Will the world wide web someday be more lean
or will ideas bounce back and forth like ping pong?
I like to think I'm one who matters
and usually I don't mind
if your opinion shamelessly flatters
one who I don't call my kind.
Some of the evils that lurk online
do need minding from the authorities,
but why should laws threaten words of mine
to stop obvious law-breakers like these?
© 2012 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved.
Wonderful take on the subject.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janaki. :) :) :)
DeleteI love how you've dealt with this issue in such a clever and humorous way and yet made such a strong case! So typically you - Rachel.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like it so much! My ability to speak up is one I want no one to touch. :)
DeleteWhat a great poem, certainly sums up my feelings on the subject, there's a lot of bad stuff out there but SOPA is definitely not the way forward. Plus loved the way you worked some Dr Seuss in:)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mark. It took me a while to figure out how to say what I wanted to say, but once that quote popped in my head it all came rolling out. :)
DeleteSo very true, they alawys over exert their power and it is always the little guy/girl who pays for it. The theives and criminals will just find another way to go about it.
ReplyDeleteWhere there's a will, there's a way, right? :)
DeleteThis is one time I will reference a a metaphor anecdote of biblical archives that being: the serpent as being the surrreptitious evil that slivers, seemingly, always to exist amidst all and in an environment that wishes to be abundant with 'truth', this in a medium based on freedom of word.
ReplyDeleteWhen recognized, this falshood/evil must be called out to those who mind for it will matter.
that
Thank you for visiting and helping to get the discussion rolling, nene. :)
DeleteThe "Dr. Suess" name is a trademark of Trademark & Trademark & Associates Inc. I'm afraid we'll have to shut down your website and confiscate all of your posts and store them in a moldy cardboard box.
ReplyDeleteLOL. I certainly hope I'm not breaking any trademark laws in this post... although it would be rather funny. Please, Trademark & Trademark & Associates... tell me how to fix this mess and prevent moldy cardboard box doom! :)
DeleteRachel, you have used humor to talk about a very sensitive and serious issue. Interesting post, enjoyed reading it a lot :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
DeletePerfect,you have said this well. Making me think and smile all at once.
ReplyDeleteOoh! Thinking and smiling. :)
DeleteBravo, Rachel! You get the point across with humor and wit as always.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thank you, Martha! :)
DeleteVery well put indeed. To censor our words there is no need.
ReplyDeleteI know you are one who will scream and shout if they try to block our voices out. :)
DeleteYou raise excellent points in this piece Rachel--great piece of writing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Audrey! I enjoy making people think and smile. :)
Deletei hear you on the minding of the online world..t.here are no police here...but plenty of predators...those who steal and menace others...i dont think a censor is the answer but i do think there needs to be easier ways to get rid of thieves and bullies...
ReplyDeleteStill, I don't understand why the current laws don't allow them to do that. If they're doing wrong now and not being punished, who's to say that further laws will help?
DeleteYes, yes, yes! Amen, Rachel, you tell 'em!!
ReplyDeleteOh, was I preaching in rhyme again? I suppose so. :) :) :)
Deletewell said!
ReplyDeleteThank you. :)
DeleteWell done!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
DeleteWhat an enjoyable read. Thanks for the creativity and the message!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad you enjoyed my take on the topic. :) I like your google name... I've kissed a few toads myself, LOL. :)
DeleteCongratulations on your win - I loved this as soon as I read it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Aisha! Your post was brilliant and very deserving of 1st Place. :)
DeleteHello.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from your blogoversary post. Congrats on making 3rd place!