[John Locke]

Just to mention the most famous historical example: the crossing of the Rubicon in 49BC by Julius Caesar. The beginning of the transition of Rome from a Republic into an Empire.

Today, we stand at the same watershed. And since so few of us remember history, I fear we are bound to repeat it.

[Tench_Coxe]

Well, technically the transition to Empire was a bit longer. All one has to do is look at Sulla. But Caesar finally committed and that is typically seen as the last nail in the coffin.

Another poster on this thread actually seemed rather cheery at the prospect. Caesar sought to save Rome by his actions, much like the rationale put forth by the poster.

Seems there's a lot of folks on this forum that are excited. I might remind them that for every Marcus Aurelius, there are three or four Caligulas or Neros waiting in the wings.