On Super-sizing Empire Rome grew from an unruly tribal grouping on the Tiber to a world empire. Under the republic, a small number of voting blocs chose leaders. These leaders tended to the business of the city and directed defensive and offensive wars. Representative government worked to the extent that those who could vote in the city of Rome determined who could run the government. Rome distended, and the lands and peoples conquered did not share in the rights of voting. The rulers distinguished themselves by democracy from the ruled: Romans could vote, non-Romans could not. Such is the way of any empire. America seeks to export voting. Democracy is a good thing. But no matter how many democracies are created, a great divide remains. The distinction is between those inside the pale of U.S. democracy and those outside. Those inside can help to choose the government that rules the United States. Those outside cannot. So if American descends down the path of empire, how do republican instincts square with ruling others having no say in how they are ruled? Territorial ambitions are not sated today as they were of yore. MTV and McDonald’s triumph where soldiers once swaggered. Cultural power is as much corporate and soft as it is militaristic. The ability to project force at a distance hardens the soft impact of so many things American. Are these territorial conquests as of old? Rome evolved from republic to empire. Caesar unburdened the Romans from the vexation of having to choose their leaders. He chose himself and the empire was born. Rome’s territorial expansion accelerated, unhinged from accountability to any except the mob. The mob was mollified with bread and circuses. We have MTV and McDonald’s, but also the right to vote. James Clark ============================================================== (c) 2003 Millennium Relief & Development Services, vol. 2 no. 31 'Insight' is a publication of MRDS to interpret current events in light of the experience of members of our international network. 'Insight' archives and other information can be found on our website. 'Insight' may be freely copied with this citation. If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, simply reply and request to be removed. Millennium RDS, 5116 Bissonnet #358, Bellaire, TX 77401-4007 Tel: (713)961-5645 Fax: (713)961-5735 www.mrds.org insight@mrds.org. ==============================================================