[AuntB]

"The Roman Republic fell, not because of the ambition of Caesar or Augustus, but because it had already long ceased to be in any real sense a republic at all. When the sturdy Roman plebeian, who lived by his own labor, who voted without reward according to his own convictions, and who with his fellows formed in war the terrible Roman legion, had been changed into an idle creature who craved nothing in life save the gratification of a thirst for vapid excitement, who was fed by the state, and who directly or indirectly sold his vote to the highest bidder, then the end of the republic was at hand, and nothing could save it. The laws were the same as they had been, but the people behind the laws had changed, and so the laws counted for nothing." - Teddy Roosevelt

[duffus]

Where did you get that?
I would like to read more.

[briarbey b]

EXCELLENT post AuntB!! :)

Many believers have their eyes turned toward a Europe that will be what we see as a revived Roman Empire of the last days. I disagree.

The similarities between the US and Rome are unprecedented. Right down to our Coliseums. A senate..architecture..conquering the world and making them democracies (and we are suppose to be a republic..that is a laugh). If anyone can think of more...chime in!!

[Wuli]

The seeds of the end of any empire in history were planted in its beginning.

The road to empire is mounted on how that which precedes it fails to sustain things without a drive for greater power at higher levels of power, and thus greater tyranny.

The seeds of the Roman Empire, and its destruction, arise in the demise of the Roman Republic.

Our founders knew this from history.

When the mob in the street has an entitlement in the treasury of the state, even emperors, with all their power, cannot forever sustain that treasury or the state.

[sport]

BTTT

[sport]

BTTT

[GOPJ]

When the sturdy Roman plebeian, who lived by his own labor, who voted without reward according to his own convictions, and who with his fellows formed in war the terrible Roman legion, had been changed into an idle creature who craved nothing in life save the gratification of a thirst for vapid excitement, who was fed by the state, and who directly or indirectly sold his vote to the highest bidder, then the end of the republic was at hand, and nothing could save it. The laws were the same as they had been, but the people behind the laws had changed, and so the laws counted for nothing." - Teddy Roosevelt

Amazing - very insightful... Thanks for sharing Aunt B.