Gatorhater
All-American
- Joined
- May 17, 2013
- Messages
- 17,210
Rome is a favorite study of mine also. The parallels between them and the US are strong with one major difference. Rome was dependent on outside sources(mostly the "empire") for food and essential rare materials. We are virtually self sufficient or can be as a matter of will. While unpopular with many, our carbon resources are unmatched with possible exception of Russia. With rare exception, we have adequate sources of all other minerals, including rare earth( we just choose to not refine them). Our food capacity knows no boundary(Rome starved once Egypt was cut off.) That said, many see us in decline.You are a gentleman, sir. "Old hat" certainly makes a lot more sense than "old hate"!
I also share your concerns on the trend towards dictatorial rule, whether it be from the right or left. As a person who studied Roman history from a young age, the Romans had an early period of kings and a late period of emperors, and in-between the Republic had 2 consuls...unless it was an emergency, in which case they selected a dictator. That's about 1,200 years of strong-man rule, and nobody remembers what "political parties" were involved.
As for Hillary, I was primarily referring to the part about her getting 63 million votes, which would have been crazy talk 40 or 50 years ago.
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Have a great evening!
I worry about dictatorship also. Socialism seems very inclined to it and the left in general want the bigger government required by it. The American voter seems to throw out each party after short stay in power - whether by intention or accident. This has helped. The culture of the leader cult is the threat. Ronnie, Bill Clinton, and Obama were all candidates. I was worried about Clinton refusing to leave and his popularity seemed a threat of that to me. Obama seems to have made significant plans for his extended rule that were foiled as a byproduct of the 2016 election. The threat is not one sided. I find myself terrified of the end of Trump's 8 yearscooland contemplate his just staying on with our armed support. But freedom is too valuable and rare to waste on any one leader. For that reason we must guard against all threats to it, from left, right or (like me) in between.
Good stuff. Maybe we will discuss Rome more later. It is our closest comparable. So far we have avoided it mistakes. Let's hope we continue.