CALM Publishing

TECH USURPS DEMOCRACY
We have taken our seeds
Spread them across our spinning world
The germ of freedom
Once known by only a few
Now witnessed daily on their screens.
Wireless information machines
Transmitting democracy via the news
Regardless of country, religion or race
Retrieving data for a price
Marketing trillions of data points
Releasing samples that suit their purposes
Corporate governance
Technology usurps democracy
Eventually they will know the outcome
Of every political race
Before the polls open.
Technology will allow the buyer
Of the artificial intelligence
To form and know the attitude and opinions
Of the public on every issue –
How best to frame the subjects
How to place “informational ads” effectively
Able to guarantee results –
So much a click
So much a vote
We fall to the ubiquitous reach –
The internet, the equipment, the satellites
Thousands of low-orbiting beacons
Disseminating controlled information
To the billions of humans left
And wondering where the few are
Who remain immune to the disease
200619.1