Tag Archives: Vladimir Putin

Will Putin Use the Deplorable Word?

By Robin Bates | Published: October 3, 2022

In Lewis’s “Magician’s Nephew,” Queen Jadis uses the “deplorable word” to end all life–not unlike Putin threatening nuclear annihilation on Ukraine.

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The War Song of Vladimir Putin

By Robin Bates | Published: August 28, 2022

One can imagine Peacock’s famous mock-epic “War-song” as Russia’s tough talk with regard to Ukraine.

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Trump Dreamed a Voldemort Moment

By Robin Bates | Published: June 30, 2022

It’s now clear that Trump, on Jan. 6, 2021, dreamed of leading his followers into the Capitol. Think of Voldemort entering Hogwarts.

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Good Omens and Vladimir Putin

By Robin Bates | Published: June 6, 2022

To imagine the reluctance of Russian soldiers to fight, check out this scene in “Good Omens.”

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Putin Is Giving War a Bad Name

By Robin Bates | Published: April 4, 2022

Some who support fascists would prefer that they stay clean. Brecht has something to say about them.

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Brecht: Don’t Become Numb to Suffering

By Robin Bates | Published: April 3, 2022

Brecht warns against becoming numb to the world’s horrors.

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Could “Dover Beach” Prevent a Rape?

By Robin Bates | Published: March 23, 2022

McEwan’s novel “Saturday” shows Arnold’s “Dover Beach” forestalling a rape.

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Zelenskyy Could Be a Hugo Character

By Robin Bates | Published: March 17, 2022

Friday A Washington Post column yesterday reminded me of a post I wrote a year ago and which I am reconfiguring for today. Seeking to balance the inspiring leadership of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky with the grim reality of the war, David Ignatius wrote, Zelensky has taken the West with him, emotionally, to the barricades […]

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For GOP, Hellish Descent Is the Easy Part

By Robin Bates | Published: March 16, 2022

NeverTrumper Bill Krisol recently quoted Virgil in revealing that he may have to vote for a Democrat in the next presidential election.

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