Word: bourin
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...Republic. The defendant was, in fact, one Jacques Bourin, on trial for collaboration. He had been a major in pro-Nazi Marcel Déat's SS à la Française. At some point during his career, he got interested in Pierre Joseph Proudhon, a 19th Century French social philosopher, sometimes known as the "Father of Anarchy." Proudhon fought against private property (which he called theft) and government, as well as his fellow Utopians...
Spelling Proudhon backwards, Bourin created his own Utopia at Fresnes prison (near Paris), during the months before his trial. It was called the Republic of Fresnes; other inmates of the prison held leading cabinet posts. The list of portfolios, as it came to light in court last week, included the Ministries of Catastrophes, Redundant Absurdities, Pots of Wine, the Budget & Squaring the Circle, Dangerous Initiatives, Counterfeit Money, Expediency, Peeling of Oranges and Violation of Nuns...
Throughout the trial, Bourin remained completely at his ease. Why was he on a stretcher? Because a hunger strike in prison had sapped his strength. Why had he gone on a hunger strike in the first place? Because "a leader must set an example. As president, I am the official scapegoat of the republic." Later, he presented a piece of paper to the judge. "Your Honor, permit me to offer you my latest sonnet. It is entitled 'The Madman.' I have dedicated it to you." To most accusations of collaboration he replied...
Perfectly Sane. During the war, Bourin had met Jacqueline ("Kiki") Rousseau* in Germany, where she had done her share of collaborating. For him, it was le grand amour. "Ah, Kiki," he sighed. "It is because of her that I am on trial. They put me in here to get her away from me. For a year she waited, but now she is married...
...judge asked Kiki: "What drew you to Bourin...
| 1 |