Rome\'s decline and the U.S.

[mike_espo]

I do see a parallel between the US and Rome, but I don't think our situation can be likened to the Roman Empire post Augustus. For some time, I've suggested a parallel not with the Roman Empire but the late Roman Republic. The self governing institutions which worked well in a small republic were outmoded when Rome became a great empire. All too often, the irresponsible voters thought only of their petty concerns; only Caesarism could run an Empire properly. Likewise, the democracy which was suited to a isolationist republic of the late 18th and 19th centuries is coming under heavy strain in the 21st. Sacrifice is vitally needed for almost everything--reducing debt, easing environmental strain--but it's no way to get elected...Just like late Republican Rome, we're headed for crises which may witness the denoument of the old system. The duration of our democracy, like Rome's republican tradition, in no way guarantees permanence.

Wow. Never thought of it like that. Makes sense. :-) True, perhaps we have become too large for our government to work properly in the 21st century. Definately a change in the culture and ideals from rural ' lets do what is right for all' to 'me,me me'.