[BenLurkin]

I tell Ben Jr. Rome in its declining decades must have looked very similar to what is happening to America today.

(Moral/social decline, erosion of political checks and balances, massive invasions of culturally different immigrants)

All the more the shame since America is much superior in concept and purpose than Rome if not in achievement. It was the high point of western civilization: an enlightenment political systems melded with a christian social base. We did not deserve to suffer the fate of Rome. Historically we once had much in common with the wonderful Dutch Republic that sprang up after expulsion of the Spanish.

But it is in the nature of history that nations, like trees, have limited life spans. Only the tremendous redwoods of China and India extend over the millenia. The lovely cherry tree that was the American Republic has blossomed and born fruit and is now dying.

The United States will continue to exist in name only; populated by people who have no memory or understanding of the principals upon which it was founded and who are culturally incapable of conducting affairs in the manner conceived by the founding fathers. It is instead likely to become a major component in some terrible global political system.

Winston Churchill correctly predicted a "new dark ages made all the more sinister and prolonged by the terrible powers of science". A second renaissance may never come and if it does it will be long off.

[Rummyfan]

I wouldn't write us off yet! And the Roman Empire endured for almost five more centuries from the time of Caesar.....

[neb52]

Are you speaking of the decline of the Republic or the decline of the Western Imperial Empire. I can see our republic declining unless a Classical Liberal rejuviation is taken place. Its got to start in a state and spread outward, the Federal Government is hopeless. IMHO

Beside the downfall of the Roman Republic had lot to do with the constant political swings from one extreme to the other leading up to Caesar. I really feel Caesar would of restored the Republic after his retirement from dictator like his Uncle Sulla. But the motion was already set on it course before Caesar was born.