Definition of the Week from the book Liberalese

Communism (Stalin)
“His (Stalin’s) household and his office are run quietly and efficiently, taking into account his pet likes and dislikes. He likes chess, skittles, movies, and piano music. In his youth he liked to ride and shoot, but he hasn’t done either for years. His artistic tastes are simple, almost conventional…When he expresses displeasure with some creative work, however, it does not always mean that the offending artists are liquidated.” (Richard E. Lauterbach, “Stalin at 65,” Life, 1 January 1945)