[tacticalogic]

Relative to what we had then, we're a lot closer to it now. If you can come closer to describing that change while maintaining the distinctions between "the people" and "The People" in four words or less, be my guest.

[Libertarian Billy Graham]

At the risk of violating the 4 words or less rule, here's a thought:

With regard to taxation (tribute) Caesar treated the "people" of what was left of the Roman republic in a manner much closer to Jesus' Golden Rule than the government of our "free" republic treats its "people."

Just look at Jesus and Peter's discussion about the nature of taxation in Matthew 17 cited earlier in this thread by poster .30Carbine in #129:

Jesus: "What thinkest thou, Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Of their own children, or of strangers?"

Peter: "Of strangers."

Jesus: "Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend [the agents of kings of the earth]..."

The idea of a government (especially a republic) stealing tribute from its own citizens had to wait for 2 wolves and a sheep style democracy to become popular.

Now that gives me an idea. Maybe we can persuade FR's pro-War Racketeers to withhold support for expansion of the Empire until Bush and Congress treat us with the same degree of respect that Caesar treated Roman citizens by putting an end to taxing us and exacting tribute only from conquered peoples?