Twas the Night Before the Austerity Crisis (a poem)

by Hon. Daniel A. Mica, The DMA Group

Twas the eve of the holidays and through the Senate and House,
The whole Congress was stirring to the dismay of each spouse.
Obama and Boehner were pulling their hair,
There must be a compromise for everyone to share.

Credit unions stay nestled snug in their beds,
While visions of loan growth dance in their heads.
Of course don’t forget the MBL cap,
And push for the day when the ATM bill’s a rap.

In government affairs there is always a clatter,
This does not mean it’s not a serious matter.
Regulation we know can arrive with a flash,
Killing margins and ratios with a bang and a bash.

But the fiscal cliff looms like an avalanche of snow,
And the sequester is coming, in case you did not know.
Oh please do not let taxmageddon appear,
Let it be just as real as a flying reindeer…

What else oh what else could we deal with so quick,
With a bunch of lame ducks that could use a good kick.
More rapidly than eagles the House and Senate they came,
Leaders whistle and shout each honorable name.

Now Cantor! Now Reid! Now Johnson! Now Bachus!
Every Senator and Congressman from caucus to caucus!
To the edge of the cliff! A quorum we call!
Now vote away! Vote away! Vote away all!

As amendments before the debt ceiling will fly,
before they meet with an obstacle, wither and die.
So down to the house-floor the reps they all flew
with big campaign promises, and tooth fairies too.

Then, like a shuttle, flying over the roof,
Air Force One descends, I tell you the truth!
As I look at the news and turn up the sound,
Down the steps comes Obama with a leap and a bound.

He was dressed in all blue from his head to his boot,
His pockets still bulging with leftover campaign loot.
A bundle of legislation, a deal flung on his back,
He looks like a politician, what the heck’s up with that?

He spoke not a word but went straight to work,
But can he get the economy moving without becoming a jerk?
Work together o’Washington stop picking your nose,
Do something magical today so the job number grows.

Credit unions are here, just give us a whistle
we help members and small business through financial thistle.
Service, our mission! Let us never lose sight.
Happy Holidays to all and to all a good night!!