Senate Softball Behold the ploy of masquerading angels Purporting to support Senate amendments That boost electoral campaign finance law. For in reality they seek to thwart The noble efforts of McCain and Feingold, Dynamic duo who protest all those "Soft money" campaign contributions, which, Exceeding half a billion in 2000, Exacerbate the influence of money. Their chief opponents, in pernicious plot, Upheld strictures on advertising, but The true intent behind their scheme was to Provoke the Supreme Court, in foolish ruling Citing "Free Speech" (that most abused of notions), To throw out the amendment. Then if all The pieces of this bill could be tied up To rise or fall together (this is termed "Non-severability"), they might prevail To call a blessing bathwater, and throw This baby out with it! But they were foiled. To guard the mainstay of the Act against The downfall of one part, the senators, By fifty-seven to forty-three today, Defending so-called severability, Struck down that binding effort. Consequently, The godly infant child has been redeemed From Herod Hagel's murderous intent, And by God's grace shall grow to be our champion Against soft money and its root of evil. March 2001