UnConventional (on the U.S. political party conventions, 2004) Wearing a moderate smile, the Democrats Besieging Boston claim the higher ground. Fellow Republicans, not far behind, Oppress New York, wearing a moderate frown. America, complacently couch-fed, Nursing a cancer in her fatted breast, Sits numbed before the television set To worship idols preened at Power's behest. Right of assembly, meant for all the land, Is guarded for the favored and the few, So First Amendment advocates are barred[1] And all dissent hidden from public view. True patriots are labeled terrorists, Murder upheld by propagandist art. The prosecutors, penalizing thought, With feigned Justice shackle the human heart. Curtailed with cameras, closely monitored, Miles from the forums where false prophets preach, Menaced with dogs and modern weaponry, They chain protestors, calling it free speech. July 25, 2004   [1]      The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution reads: " Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances" (emphasis mine).