The adult dystopia extrapolates from aspects of the present to show readers how terrible things will become if our deplorable behavior continues unchecked.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemns the "deplorable behavior" depicted in a video that appears to show US Marines urinating on dead Taliban fighters.
Though the phrase "sexual harassment" is generally acknowledged to include clearly damaging and morally deplorable behavior, its boundaries can be broad and controversial.
Some may hold President Bush alone responsible for this deplorable behavior, but Congress is equally responsible.
Hillary Clinton condemns 'deplorable behaviour' of US marines - video (1min 43sec)
But two of these stories also highlight our tendency to dismiss evil casually, to look for impersonal "causes" for deplorable behavior.
"Make no mistake about it," Ms. Snowe said in a statement, "I find the President's behavior deplorable and indefensible."
What, then, is your objective in promoting China's inclusion in the World Trade Organization, thereby condoning and enabling the deplorable behavior of that nation's government?
She does this for herself so she can brag to friends about her charity and talk about the deplorable behavior of the recipients.
US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton says it was "deplorable behaviour".