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by truro
1755 days ago
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Your suggested analysis is a bit superficial. Many similarities to the decline of the Roman empire certainly can be aligned with the American empire; many cannot. I would suggest the mood of alignment exists, instead of specifics. Your "Trump-Julius" alignment is too contrived. Panem et circenses would be better aligned with food stamps and gaming/films/parties/recreational drug use. Our cultural norms are closely aligned with the decline of the Roman empire; but the alignment of the current form of our government is too dissimilar. The founders of the United States were classically-educated students of Roman history and its decline; additionally, Gibbon had just been published. To that end, much of our constitution was fashioned to make it exceedingly difficult for a dictator to arise spontaneously. But even Jefferson and Madison recognized the potential for a slow, but steady, erosion of the constitutional protections to produce one--especially if originating in the general populace. They were obsessed with the "potential dictator." (read the Federalist Papers) All republics eventually collapse into something else: oligarchy, dictatorship, or dissolve completely into fractured smaller groups. In that sense, yes: we are doomed. Our decline has already begun. But the similarities to Rome's decline are more general, more cultural, and less specific. The books by Kyle Harper and Peter Turchin also provide additional aspects of our potential collapse that align with Rome. I doubt very much that anything can alter our decline. Your suggestion that the blue and white collar "come together" is simply wishful thinking. We've seen what populist movements produce and it is not auspicious. Rather than lecture you, I suggest you read (thoroughly) Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (you're going to have to really pay attention: Gibbon is not for those who do not know how to read) and The Federalist Papers. Those two will give you a better understanding of the contrast between the United States and the Roman empire. You should also consult Harper and Turchin for further insights. |
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I didn't set out to establish equivalence (clearly a fool's errand) I only aimed to suss out similarities. How did you find otherwise?
I think I specifically called out that while Cesar was successful in wielding populism to maintain power, Trump was not. The key differences being the American people are kept divided.
> I doubt very much that anything can alter our decline. Your suggestion that the blue and white collar "come together" is simply wishful thinking.
The republic lives for as long as independent people prevail. Preserving the middle class as such, and as a political force, can save the republic.