[rattrap]

Because when you don't read the whole thing, then start spouting off comments you run a real risk of looking like a fool. I knew by the time I was through the first sentence there were going to be a ton of comments posted just minutes after a fairly long article that were "opening their mouth and removing all doubt" as Twain would say.

Read First, Then Post. There is no prize for first comment.

[MNJohnnie]

Read First, Then Post. There is no prize for first comment.

RT if would be really refreshing if you took your own advice JUST ONCE rather then going on your personal pet rant without even bothering to read the comments made. How about actually responding to what was posted rather then just cling to your desperate need to go off on your usual rant about people not reading the WHOLE post? The comments I made were about the factually INACCURACY in the 1st two paragraphs. If you had bothered to actually READ my point instead of tearing off your pre programed emotional response, you would off seen THAT your comments were completely irrelevant to the point being made.

I STRONGLY suggest in the future you take your own advice before having the arrogance to lecture anyone else about ANYTHING

[OrangeBlossomSpecial]

RatTrap: It is rather condenscending of you to insinuate so many of us are fools because we did not study the entire thesis of the author. I have no need to apologize for not spending my time reading every lenghty post, especially when it begins so poorly.

However,it is noteworthy that archeologist have found considerable amounts of lead in the drinking utensils of the Romans. I seem to also remember hearing that syphillis and the subsequent madness that follows would have impacted their fate as well.

I guess if the Bird Flue kills us all, future historians will make some correlation between the great American Empire and the Roman Empire on the basis of disease.