What I Believe Poem by Richard Randolph

People say I'm cranky and mean, a cynic,
and I suppose that I am,
but I don't believe equal opportunity is enough.
I believe in true social justice.
That means no one should live in a mansion
until everyone at least has a house.
And I don't believe in illegal aliens;
I believe in neighbors and friends.
I also don't believe in free speech.
One shouldn't have a right to disparage others,
particularly the weak or helpless.
And one shouldn't be allowed to spread lies for money,
like Alex Jones and all his ilk.
Finally, I don't believe all cultures are equal and good.
Instead, I believe they all have plenty to be ashamed of.
Let's quit romanticizing the past.
Instead, we should look to the future
and work to create a more just society.
It won't be easy.
It'll take hard work, and empathy, and courage,
a willingness to let go of what we believe in or think we know.
We'll have to learn to think less about what is best for me
and more about what is best for us.
And we have to realize that as long as there's a hell somewhere,
there can be no heaven.
It'll be difficult, very difficult,
but it's the only way,
or, at least, that's what I believe.