Poem: For Those Who Would Govern

 ( I know this is not a poem but......)

 First question: Can you first govern yourself?

Second question: What is the state of your own household?

Third question: Do you have a proven record of community service

             and compassionate acts?

 Fourth question: Do you know the history and laws of your principalities?

 Fifth question: Do you follow sound principles? Look for fresh vision to lift all the inhabitants of the land, including animals, plants,

             elements, all who share this earth?

 Sixth question: Are you owned by lawyers, bankers, insurance agents,

             lobbyists, or other politicians, anyone else who would unfairly

             profit by your decisions?

 Seventh question: Do you have authority by the original keepers of

             the lands, those who obey natural law and are in the service of

             the lands on which you stand.

 

                                       Joy Harjo, A member of the Mvskoke/Creek Nation