We do not practice subtlety, he said firmly. It leads inevitably to nuance and that is a slippery slope we dare not set foot on lest we risk the obvious consequences. Of course, I should hasten to add, these are not the words he used. They aren’t even close, although I would argue they are a very reasonable approximation. But they have a modicum, however minute, of eloquence. This, we have all come to learn, is far beyond his abilities, if not his capabilities. He believes subtlety is a trait adopted by those afraid to take a stand and defend it unfailingly. He believes that bludgeoning is a fine means of obtaining compliance and concession. That it rarely works, he would argue, is because others too often try to restrain or constrain him. He vows he will rectify that, and adds it to his ever growing list of actions to be taken in retribution. He has no real conception of justice, unless it concurs with his desire. He is aware of the power he wields, and this excites him. Others have bent to his will before, and he expects this to remain the case given his new position on the world stage. After all, being a four-year-old isn’t that different than being three, is it?

Bio: Louis Faber