First we give you bagfuls
To make government,
Then you commit not to meddle
With our profit-piling hunt.
But when people demonstrate
Against our killer-loot,
You promptly send the troopers
To take aim and shoot.
Thus it is that you and we—
Government and Corporate—
Define the nationalist feature
Of the proud and ideal State.
Government by, of, and for
The men with currency
Is thus the improved version
We provide of democracy.
Badri Raina