How the Pritzker Grinch Pinched Antioch

Every Who down in Antioch worked hard for their pay,
From Main Street to lakes where they boated all day.
They fixed up the boats, poured beers with a grin,
Paid taxes already and still chipped in.
They caught Friday films at Antioch Theatre,
Bought popcorn and candy, could not be neater.
In summer on Channel and Cross Lake they'd float,
Waving flags proudly from every small boat.

But high in Springfield, all bloated and smug,
Lived Pritzker the Grinch with a spreadsheet and shrug.
He peered at the town through a green greedy squint,
"These Whos still have money. I smell a new hint."
"They smile too much. They spend far too free.
That cash should be working and working for me."

So down Route 173 he stomped with delight,
Past Village Hall, ready to tax through the night.
He snatched overtime pay and tipped workers too,
Called it "compassion," which nobody knew.
He taxed little shops till their ledgers cried out,
Then blamed the owners when they closed up and moved out.

On Main Street the lights slowly started to fade,
For Lease signs appeared like a sad little parade.
The Grinch filled his sacks marked TAX in bold red,
While preaching from yachts about folks being misled.
At the Depot, the Whos stood shivering cold,
Counting new fees they had just been told.
"For schools," cried the Grinch. "For roads," cried again.
Yet Springfield got fatter while Antioch went thin.

The Whos scratched their heads and finally saw,
This was never about helping at all.
It was power and control wrapped up in a speech,
With rules for the many and comfort for each.
Still Antioch stood with a glare and a stare,
Because towns like this know when something is unfair.
They laughed at the Grinch and his bloated disguise,
And saw through the taxes and very tall lies.

The Grinch did not steal Christmas.
That much was true.
He stole paychecks and jobs and small businesses too.
And though he kept smiling and counting his take,
Antioch learned what the Whos should not fake.

They talked.
They remembered.
They opened their eyes.
Because Grinches lose power
When Whos get wise.

🎁 The End.