The AIPAC Roll Call

2008: "A highlight of the yearly gathering included the highly anticipated 'roll call'* of the nearly 350 elected officials and special dignitaries in attendance."

2006: "AIPAC's executive director spent twenty-seven minutes reading the 'roll call' of dignitaries present at the gala dinner…"

                                        (with apologies to gospel composer, James M. Black for using his tune)


When the Roll is Called by AIPAC

                                    When they send the invitations out for all they want on board,
                                    For everyone important to their lair.
                                    Politicos and "dignitaries" line up for reward:
                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC, they'll be there.

                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC,
                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC,
                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC,
                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC, they'll be there.

                                    Not to be invited there would be a warning sign
                                    For what might be a promising career.
                                    So all the most ambitious ones work hard to be in line:
                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC, they'll be there.

                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC,
                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC,
                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC,
                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC, they'll be there.

                                    Are they so many pipers for whom AIPAC calls the tune?
                                    Does The Lobby truly have such power?
                                    If they don't then cheese is really all that's on the moon.
                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC, they'll be there.

                                    (con brio)

                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC,
                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC,
                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC,
                                    When the roll is called by AIPAC, they'll be there.

                                    David Martin

* On June 25, 2008, the author checked the AIPAC web site connected to this link and discovered that, although they are still boasting about the numerous high muckamucks who attended their annual "policy conference" this year, they have dropped all mention of their intimidating and tasteless roll call.  They are beginning to make me feel like Alexander Pope:

Fr. You’re strangely proud.

P. So proud, I am no Slave:
So impudent, I own myself no Knave:
So odd, my Country’s Ruin makes me grave.
Yes, I am proud; I must be proud to see
Men not afraid of God, afraid of me:
Safe from the Bar, the Pulpit, and the Throne,
Yet touch’d and sham’d by Ridicule alone.

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