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THIRTY STATE BUMMERS, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Allen Ginsberg's "Thirty State Bummers" is a searing, satirical commentary on the political and social landscape of his time. The poem, structured in couplets, provides a rapid-fire litany of critiques, reflecting Ginsberg’s disillusionment with both domestic and foreign policies, highlighting the pervasive corruption and moral hypocrisy he perceives in political leadership.

The poem opens with an almost playful invitation, "Take a pee pee take a Bum / Take your choice for number one," suggesting a cynical view of political choices, where no option seems genuinely virtuous. The references to President Clinton and President Dole, presented as “someone new” versus “old man,” underscore a sense of stagnation and the recycling of the same tired figures in the political arena.

Ginsberg’s critique extends to intelligence and military figures, such as Richard Helms and James Angleton, with the line, "We were lucky to survive," hinting at the dangerous and secretive nature of their actions. The inclusion of Jesse Helms, a conservative senator known for his controversial stances, alongside a mocking mention of "dirty pix," critiques the moral double standards often seen in politics.

The poem then shifts to a global perspective, where Ginsberg lists various dictators and political figures supported by the United States, such as Idi Amin, General Mobutu, and Pinochet. By stating "Were paid by me & you," he implicates the American public in these dubious foreign entanglements, funded by their tax dollars. This critique is extended to contemporary events, referencing the Iran-Contra affair and the involvement of figures like Oliver North and Manuel Noriega, highlighting the U.S. complicity in global drug trade and political repression.

Ginsberg’s enumeration of atrocities and political machinations reads like a tragic scorecard of U.S. interventions and support for dictatorships, each couplet dripping with irony and condemnation. The repetitive structure of the poem, with its relentless listing of names and events, serves to overwhelm the reader, mimicking the relentless nature of these political and moral failings.

The poem's latter sections delve into specific incidents, such as the destabilization of Iran with the overthrow of Mosaddeq, and the Vietnam War's impact on Laos and Cambodia. Ginsberg poignantly asks, "Who’s to blame, Who’s to blame / Anybody share America’s shame," suggesting a collective responsibility and a shared culpability for these historical injustices.

Ginsberg’s critique of economic policies, particularly NAFTA, further broadens the scope of his condemnation. He highlights the exploitative nature of industrial and economic practices, which prioritize profits over human welfare. The lines "No jobs today No jobless pay / No future life but turn to clay" capture the despair of the working class, left behind by policies that favor corporate interests.

The poem includes a personal and communal note, with the repetition of “I have a nosebleed You have a nosebleed,” symbolizing shared suffering and the physical manifestations of societal ills. This closing imagery ties back to the overarching theme of collective responsibility and the pervasive impact of political corruption and neglect.

"Thirty State Bummers" stands as a powerful indictment of political hypocrisy and the moral failures of leadership. Ginsberg's sharp, satirical voice and his relentless cataloging of injustices compel the reader to confront the uncomfortable realities of political and social systems, urging a reflection on complicity and the need for accountability. The couplet structure underscores the rhythmic, almost chant-like nature of these observations, driving home the relentless criticism and the urgency of his message.


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