[TopQuark]

We are Rome. With all due respect, there is a long way between Roman themes in architecture and the identification of this Republic with Rome. I only know this because Machiavelli taught it to me. You must be really getting up in age...

[nicollo]

No respect required. If you think architecture does not reflect political philosophy, try walking down Main St., Moscow, c. 1974. Or Washington, D.C., c. 1974. The triumph of 20th Century humanism was certified in ugly, functional buildings.

Those who originally built Washington (or kept to the original themes) believed in the political meaning of the institutions the buildings were meant to house. We didn't build a great mansion for the President. We built a great mansion for the people. Same with the Capitol. Those buildings were to reflect the great purpose and historical significance of their occupants and all they represented. For the architectural inspiration -- that same inspiration which guided the American founding itself-- we looked to the ancients.

Atop the Supreme Court building (constructed during the Great Depression!) are Roman figures. Why?

(Hint: it wasn't decorative.)

Re-read Machiavelli. He wrote history that looked forward. Amazing.