[JCEccles]

Gibson's point is this: Mayan civilization in decline had corrupted itself through brutality and barbarity.

I don't think that's his point at all.

The prime focus of Mel's loathing is Israel, not America. In his worldview it is Israel that is "capturing" innocent Americans and dragging them to Afghanistan and Iraq to be sacrificed on the altar of Zionism.

[SoCal Pubbie]

You have an interesting theory I've not encountered elsewhere. You may be on to something.