Prove That You Matter

(From an interview on Fox Business, June 5, 2025, by Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for Medicare and Medicaid)

Get off your duff. Real Americans
Work till they drop. You, I’m looking at you,
Freeloaders, scum, your government is talking.
Prove that you matter. Do something that earns
A buck or two and makes Uncle Sam smile.
Don’t give me, I got PTSD
While serving my country or from abuse
While I was growing up, or something happened.
I’m sickly or have to care for Mom or Dad.
If you’re able-bodied, none of that counts.
Your government knows best and will decide.

Arbeit macht frei, and don’t ever forget it.
Be useful. Sell quack medicines on the internet.
Start a crypto fund. Run for office, lie
Till the cows come home. Start an online course
Dedicated to thinking very dark thoughts
About everyone of the wrong race or religion.
Make things up. Be part of the post-truth world.
Promote hatred and contempt in all its forms.
That’s where the money is. Demean the good.
Be like us, real Americans. Hate
And grow rich. Prove that you matter.

John Jiambalvo is the author of two collections of poetry, Shadows Walking Among Questions and Americana Collection, as well as a satiric novel, Smirk. Read other articles by John.