John Donne knew that politicians never wasted emergencies

If, as in water stirr’d more circles be
Produced by one, love such additions take,
Those like so many spheres but one heaven make,
For they are all concentric unto thee;
And though each spring do add to love new heat,

As princes do in times of action get
New taxes, and remit them not in peace,

No winter shall abate this spring’s increase.

via John Donne: Love’s Growth.

From the New York Times: “‘Rule one: Never allow a crisis to go to waste,’ Mr. Emanuel said in an interview on Sunday. ‘They are opportunities to do big things.'”

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