By Dave Begel Contributing Writer Published Dec 24, 2015 at 9:06 AM Photography: David Bernacchi

‘Tis the night before Christmas
And it’s time to note
The gifts that are given
To those who we vote

Politicians they are.
The leaders we heed.
So the gifts should reflect
All the stuff they do need.

Tom Barrett’s the mayor,
His gift’s a reaction
To what we all think
Is a lack of real action.

We like him so much
But he seems in a rut.
For Christmas let’s give him
Fire under his butt.

Scott Walker did run
For the country’s top job.
His performance on stage
Was the worst of the mob.

He’s now back in Sconnie
He burned out his fuse.
Let Santa Claus deliver
Some charisma to use.

County executive's up
And nothing’s amiss.
The next one will be
Surely named Chris.

A battle of wits
But Abele’s got a stash.
Let’s give Mr. Larson
A sock full of cash.

And our sheriff, dear lord.
He’s our resident fool
And now he’s become
Fox News' resident tool.

He’s a tough guy to buy for
But we can’t just say "drat!"
So we’ll get him a horse
And a new cowboy hat.

Republicans on our list
Daily try to pillory
Their Democratic foe
They always call Billary.

For that old party so grand
To get over the hump
We’ll fill up their stocking
With a lump name of Trump.

Hillary is ready
To tackle them all.
She’s feisty and tough
Set for an inaugural ball.

There are things that are worrying
Before we regale
We’ll give her a reason
For that crooked email.

Our president is leaving
So it’s so long Barack.
You may miss the perks
But you’ll not miss Iraq.

Our gift is so thoughtful
As befitting top brass.
From Milwaukee County
A lifetime golf pass.

To OnMilwaukee readers
Our credo we’ll heed
To be honest and fun as
We hope you always read.

‘Tis the night before Christmas
This year’s been a ball
So my wish is easy
Merry Christmas to all.

Dave Begel Contributing Writer

With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.

He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.

This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.

Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.