“After a few decades of house cleaning we can have federal elections again. Where is our “Augustus”?”
Do you really want an “Augustus?” He reformed the outer shell of the Roman republic but in reality destroyed
the essence of it. He maintained the pretense and façade of loving republican government but really ruled with all the power of future emperors. He restored order, which continued, by and large, for over 200 years. And the people were so happy that they never realized that their rights had been taken away.
With the succession of future emperors who dropped the pretense of republican government, the emperor became all powerful. He became a god.
We need another George Washington, who stepped aside after his work was done, instead of an Augustus who paved the way for ruthless dictators! I predict our “Augustus” would do away with federal elections (and all others for that matter) and the people won’t care as long as they have their peace and safety.
And the people were so happy that they never realized that their rights had been taken away.
You argue as if we have self rule WHICH WE OBVIOUSLY DO NOT. There is nothing to lose, give me an Augustus or give me Civil War!