Tag Archives: Congress

Needed in Congress: A Deus Ex Machina

By Robin Bates | Published: October 2, 2013

If Boehner channeled the spirit of Athena in “The Odyssey,” he could reopen the government tomorrow.

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Kid Fight in Congress

By Robin Bates | Published: September 25, 2013

At times, Congress looks like two kids squabbling in “Tom Sawyer”–only in this case, the stakes are much higher and one side refuses to act like an adult.

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Braveheart Is NOT a Christmas Movie

By Robin Bates | Published: December 23, 2011

GOP members of the House were citing “Braveheart” in their recent battle with the Senate, but “It’s a Wonderful Life” is the movie we should be talking about at this time of year.

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Eric Cantor and Famous Literary Sneers

By Robin Bates | Published: July 14, 2011

If you’ve been paying any attention to America’s budget battles, you know that Congressional Republicans are currently engaged in a dangerous game of chicken with President Obama over raising the debt ceiling. Today’s post on the subject features a parallel with Macbeth and a glance at famous literary sneers.

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Dragons in the Senate

By Robin Bates | Published: February 24, 2010

 In yesterday’s post, I talked about how current gridlock in the U. S. Senate reminds me of the intractable problems that confront King Hrothgar in Beowulf.  Grendel, I said, is the spirit of fratricidal rage that sets colleagues against each other and brings activity in the great hall of Heorot to a halt.  Upon further reflection, […]

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