The Richard Cory Effect

                                            Now, let us sing of the smooth Richard Cory,
                                    The rich man in Edwin A. Robinson's story,
                                    Who went home for no reason anyone could explain
                                    And fired a small bullet right into his brain.

                                    This quaint little tale has been put to ill use
                                    By media defenders of power abuse.
                                    Placing their shroud over obvious crime,
                                    They blithely refer to the Robinson rhyme.

                                    The message the public is supposed to receive
                                    Is that no one can ever know what to believe,
                                    So right-minded citizens should not even try
                                    To challenge a verdict received from on high.

                                     David Martin

                                    See also "Muse in the News" and "Confession."