Back by popular demand, as written by Dr. Seuss Oh Nate made a speech, and he made it quite grand, About opening doors all across the land! “Bring in more voters!” he proudly proclaimed, “For democracy dies when the process is tamed!” “Let newcomers join! Let more voices debate! The strength of a party Is how we participate!” And people arrived! Oh they came by the score! Through every wide-open participatory door. They signed up! They lined up! They came out in force! Exactly, it seemed, on the advocated course. But then came the counting. The totals came through. And somehow the outcome Was not what Nate drew. And suddenly now, with remarkable speed, Participation had changed into something to weed. “These voters seem odd.” “These ones irregular.” “These people suspicious.” “These numbers peculiar.” “The process,” said Nate, “With dramatic appeal, “May not have been proper! May not have been real!” Now voters blinked twice at this curious twist— For last week these names were the names on his list. Last week they were welcomed! Encouraged! First-rate! “Come strengthen democracy! Participate!” But once the same voters Did not vote for Nate, The chorus transformed into: “Investigate.” Oh the places you’ll go When the ballots turn wrong— From “Everyone’s welcome!” To “Something’s gone wrong!” So here is the lesson For candidates great and small Don’t beg for more voters— Then scold them for voting at all #onpoli #olpldr