In 1987 I attended a summer conference of Ayn Rand’s philosophy called Objectivism. The conference was held at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in La Jolla and was attended by the Who’s Who of Objectivism. It was organized by George Reisman and his wife, Edith Packer. George Reisman was an economics professor at Pepperdine University and a prominent Objectivist. The UCSD campus was high up on a rock overlooking the ocean. It was a beautiful and clean campus. Perfect weather. It was great to be there, and to be alive. I was only 22 years old then. I didn’t have much of an education, but I had a great interest in ideas after reading The Fountainhead .
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The History and Themes Behind the Satire
This satirical poem draws inspiration from the dramatic events surrounding Dutch politics, specifically mirroring the tension and sudden tragedy of historical political assassinations. By using a fairy-tale motif ("Mirror Mirror" and "The Neverlands"), the poem provides a biting commentary on the relationship between systemic corruption, the monarchy, and political silencing.
"Mirror Mirror on the wall
Who is the most popular of them all"
"Professor Pim" the mirror said
The man the Queen wanted dead
The man the Queen wanted dead
The Queen hated Professor Pim
For he had called her son dumb and dim
For he had called her son dumb and dim
With only a few days away
Professor Pim would have a say
Professor Pim would have a say
The Queen's ministers had warned her
The election was around the corner
If Professor Pim would become the Prime Minister of the Neverlands
He would hold her future in his hands
Without a poison apple around
A useful idiot had to be found
The Queen's men found such a man
And quickly drew up a plan
Pim was ambushed in a parking lot
. . . shot shot shot . . .
Professor Pim was no more . . .
And the Queen found a new man to adore
She named her favorite horse after him
The man who had murdered Pim
No politician thereafter made fun of the crown
Because they all wanted to stick around
And that's why they call it the Neverlands
Because the people never know their plans
The election was around the corner
If Professor Pim would become the Prime Minister of the Neverlands
He would hold her future in his hands
Without a poison apple around
A useful idiot had to be found
The Queen's men found such a man
And quickly drew up a plan
Pim was ambushed in a parking lot
. . . shot shot shot . . .
Professor Pim was no more . . .
And the Queen found a new man to adore
She named her favorite horse after him
The man who had murdered Pim
No politician thereafter made fun of the crown
Because they all wanted to stick around
And that's why they call it the Neverlands
Because the people never know their plans