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Jul 4, 2021Liked by Neil Shurley

Omega Glory and Turnabout Intruder are my 2 least favourite TOS episodes (also the epilogue of Bread and Circuses). But I think the idea in Omega Glory is really solid - that you can make an idol of something really good, true and beautiful and turn it into a weapon of oppression and hate. Sputtering gibberish with no understanding of - or caring about - the meaning and intent, taking something that should be joyful, diverse, life-affirming and inclusive and making it into a club of believers who brook no discussion.

Some religions, some politicians, and yes, some Star Trek fans.

Now that you've highlighted it, I think I will use "E plebnista" as shorthand (for myself at least) for times when people seem to entirely miss the point about the thing they are foaming hatefully about. Thanks for the reflection!

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Jul 3, 2023Liked by Neil Shurley

“Pity you can’t teach me that.” “I have tried, Captain.”

Have you seen "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" (SNW S2E3) yet? This business of Kirk learning the neck pinch resonates on!

I gave "Omega Glory" another look in early 2021, in the wake of the attempted insurrection in DC: https://bibliomike.com/timely-trek-the-omega-glory/ - I still find some things of worth in it, despite its (as you rightly say) fetishism for the flag.

Always enjoy your newsletter!

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