Is U.S. going to be the next Rome and switch to an Empire as a result of demorcatic government problems?

Question

In 49 B.C., Julius Ceasar became Rome's first emperor. Before him, Rome was a Republic and was the most democratic nation of its time. Because of its democracy, government corruption and overspending became a bigger and bigger problem. To solve this, Julis Caesar transformed the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. Today, we are increasingly becoming more like Rome. Our Congress spends all its time bickering while spending far too much just as the Roman Senate had. The government is gaining more and more power over our land, as evidenced by the government making more and more rediculous laws and rules which limit our rights such as schools banning the word "Christmas" during the holiday season. This too is eerily similar to the Roman Republic. Our government is spending far too much, as evidenced by the recent construction of the $220,000,000 bridge in Alaska which less than 5,000 people a year use. More and more people are geting weary of the government. Just like Rome. Are we Rome?

Answer 1

For the record, Julius Caesar was NOT the first emperor. That distinction fell to Octavian, after Caesar's assassination. Caesar's title was dictator for life, but the title he really coveted was that of king (rex).

Anyway, in answer to your question, America is a lot more like the late Roman Empire, that is, ripe for the fall, than like the late Republic. In other words, the transition from republic to empire already happened a long time ago, and it was certainly complete by the end of World War II. Just like in Rome, nobody officially proclaimed the end of the republic, and the outward shell of democratic government was kept.

And make no mistake: just because Rome lasted 400 years as an empire, it does not mean America will. Massive deficits, mind-boggling debt, a hugely expensive but largely ineffective military, uncontrolled immigration, cultural decay, moral permissiveness, and a thoroughly corrupt government, hereditary in fact if not in theory, headed by incompetents. Why, it's like a mirror that reflects 5th century Rome!

Answer 2

First-Did we actually build that $220 million bridge? I think it got shot down, and if not, since I live in Alaska, I'd kind of like to check it out. It certainly wasn't anything that I would want. There was no need....
Second-the Roman empire did do a few good things for the people, with inventions that we still use today.
Third- The US will never be categorized in the same way as Rome. The fates of both however, could be very similar. Keep one thing in mind, for every one of the "ridiculous laws" that is passed, there is usually a very stupid reason for it. I don't believe the government decreed that "Christmas" couldn't be used. Its people that bow down to pressure that decree this. Most School boards do this now, in hopes that all will be accepted during the holiday season. Which translates into "someone sued a school district because they were offended at the word Christmas"
Does our government spend to much? Yes. But at the same time, many of us have become interested in serving only ourselves. Did we really need a warning label on a cup of cofee to tell us that it was hot? Thank goodness a woman sued McDonalds so that we could get that warning. The next time you buy a package of meat, see if it has the warning called Safe Handling Instructions, which in essence tells us to wash our hands before touching food, but after wiping our butts.
So government may be making stupid laws, and doing stupid things, but at the same time, sadly, they are representing some (not all) of the people by doing so.

Answer 3

No America will not be the next Rome. The Roman Empire reformed for the first time back in 1973 to 1981 when finally Greece joined; After this, the headline news read "Back Together Again"; 1999 their currency came on the scene called the "Euro".

As much as any one wants to think that America will play a "major role", they would be fooling them self. America is falling fast, my the hands of those in the government seats.

What does the word "empire" mean? Does America fit as the description for "empire"? Dictionary definition1 a (1) : a major political unit having a territory of great extent or a number of territories or peoples under a single sovereign authority; especially : one having an emperor as chief of state (2) : the territory of such a political unit b : something resembling a political empire; especially : an extensive territory or enterprise under single domination or control
2 : imperial sovereignty, rule, or dominion

With the "secret" meetings going on between Canada/United States of America/Mexico about joining as one... as known as "North America Union", yes America is an "empire" all her own. (one of the ten regions the Bible talks about) But, what country isn't an "empire"?

They feud over Christmas not being called Christmas any more because it is related to Christianity.. etc.. to keep the people off the mainstream topics.

Do you know what your government is doing while you sleep?

Answer 4

Don't forget that the decline of Rome was as much the result of the decline of the citizens as the actions of government.

People abandoned the ideals of old Rome - hard work and sacrifice, emphasis on education and commitment to service of the community. They began to like the easy life, they indulged in luxuries, they ignored the poor in their own country and in the surrounding countries.

Don't blame the government. In a Republic - and the US is a republic, not a democracy - the people get the government they deserve. when the American people decide they want values over goods, when they are willing to sacrifice for education instead of whining about taxes, when they participate in government at all levels instead of complaining - when we elect public servants based on aptitude rather than how many movie stars endorse them - we might have a chance.

But as I read the level of grammar and spelling and observe the questions on this board alone - I begin to despair.

Answer 5

Well, I'll use this quote from Pat Buchanan again:

"The dynamiting of the King David Hotel convinced the British to accelerate their departure from Palestine. Zionist terror ended. Mau Mau terror ended when the Brits left Kenya. When DeGaulle cut Algeria loose, FLN terror ended. When Reagan withdrew his Marines from Beirut, anti-American terror ended in Lebanon.

"Lesson? The price of empire is terror. The price of occupation is terror. The price of interventionism is terror."

Terrorism has been around since at least the French Revolution in 1789. It is not an ideology of government, but a tactic for venting political grievances. Rather than being a form of imperialism, it is a means of protest against imperialism.

The terrorists do not "hate us for our freedom." Rather, they hate us for our incessant meddling in the Middle East. If you whack a hornets' nest with a baseball bat, prepare to be stung. And if you whack it repeatedly, do not be surprised when you are stung repeatedly. You reap what you sow, and if you live by the sword you die by the sword.

Answer 6

I certainly hope we can be like Rome. The age of ambition has died. True imperialism might revitalize the American life force. Long live the Empire!!

Answer 7

Check it up in the Bible. Specific Rev. 12 and 13. The false Prophete (apostate protentantism)

Answer 8

I can't see a way out, but I'm old and tired. I don't have the strength I had 40 yrs ago to fight for change. I hope you do. Good luck.

Answer 9

No, we live in totally different times. They were not able to communicate with each other the way we do today, they did not have the technology.

Answer 10

the world is too small, too big and people are too involved to allow any real imperialism to happen these days..

besides enough people inside the US would work to keep that from happening.

you give the president more credit/power then he deserves/really has..