Tag Archives: January 6 insurrection

Sometimes Mercenaries Surprise Us

By Robin Bates | Published: June 16, 2022

We now know the extent of the pressure Mike Pence faced on January 6. Housman’s poem about mercenaries comes to mind.

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Will Jan. 6 Evidence Change GOP Minds?

By Robin Bates | Published: June 13, 2022

Will Trump supporters believe the findings of the January 6 investigation committee? Brecht cautions against optimism in such cases.

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Mike Pence Kept the Sky Suspended

By Robin Bates | Published: February 7, 2022

A.E. Housman has the proper poem for Mike Pence not giving way to Trump’s pressure on January 6.

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Satan’s Attempt to “Own” God

By Robin Bates | Published: January 6, 2022

Milton’s Satan and Trump have a special reward for their followers: in exchange for having given of their principles, they receive sadistic thrills.

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Milton’s Satan and the Jan 6 Insurrection

By Robin Bates | Published: January 5, 2022

Trump and his followers rebelling against the Constitution is like Milton’s angels rebelling against God.

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Virgil Would Have Understood January 6

By Robin Bates | Published: December 27, 2021

I repost an essay on how GOP insistence on “voter integrity” is a Trojan horse designed to prevent free and fair elections.

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Mike Pence’s One Heroic Moment

By Robin Bates | Published: November 18, 2021

I compare Mike Pence with Housman’s mercenaries, who performed their duties more nobly than anticipated.

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Comparing Claudius’ and Trump’s Coups

By Robin Bates | Published: October 24, 2021

The GOP desire to move on from Trump’s coup attempt is like Claudius wanting to move on from his successful one against Hamlet’s father.

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Dryden on Charismatic Demagogues

By Robin Bates | Published: October 12, 2021

In Dryden’s Absalom, we see a politician who has Donald Trump’s ability to sway a crowd.

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