But I don't think that poetry is a good, to use a contemporary word, venue, for current events.

American poetry, like American painting, is always personal with an emphasis on the individuality of the poet.

PC stuff just lowers the general acceptance of good work and replaces it with bogus poetry that celebrates values that in themselves are probably quite worthy.

American poets celebrate their bodies, very specifically, as Whitman did.

I do not read newspapers. I do not watch television. I am not interested in current events, although I will occasionally discuss them if other people want to discuss them.

Distinctly American poetry is usually written in the context of one's geographic landscape, sometimes out of one's cultural myths, and often with reference to gender and race or ethnic origins.

But I don't think that poetry is a good, to use a contemporary word, venue, for current events.