I recently read an interesting, well written book comparing ancient Rome at it's height to modern America. If you google 'Are We Rome' you will find many links to reviews etc. It was interesting to read about Rome's history and see the parallels that we are repeating today. Below is an exerpt from a review on Amazon.com written by Daniel B. Clendenin: (i made the bold words)
"After a short prologue, Murphy devotes one chapter each to six parallels of "direct relevance" between ancient Rome and modern America. Both empires exhibit the symptoms of
solipsism-- an
exaggerated self-identity, the isolating effects of exceptionalism, ignorance of others, the presumptions of privilege, and sheer arrogance.
Militarism characterizes both societies. Today America has 700 bases in 60 countries, and in any one year will conduct "operations" of some sort in 170 countries. Murphy suggests that our military is both "too large to be affordable, and too small to do everything it is asked to do." He then turns to how America has blurred the distinctions between the private and public (government) sectors, "the deflection of public purpose by private interest."
Outsourcing government responsibilities might be effective and even necessary, but selling the public good for private profit isn't. The fourth parallel between Rome and America is the
disdain with which both view outsiders ("barbarians") as inferior. Fifth, Murphy explores the complex notion of
borders, both literal (eg, immigration) and figurative. Finally, in his epilogue he examines the "inherent
complexity" of large empires like Rome and America. Are they ungovernable?"
An interesting observation was made in the epilogue that the 'fall' was really not noticeable until decades after it happened. Finding the peak of an empire is much harder to find than say the peak of a stock price. Many aspects of the Roman empire carried on even centuries after it's apex. After reading this book i wonder has America reached it's peak already? What can we do as a nation and as individuals to improve life in this country and the world? He talks about his book if you click
here.
Some Stynsberg girls.
Lois Ann would never let me put this much hot sauce on my meal.
Eating!!!
Look at this great sunset. We tried to watch a Red Wings NHL playoff game and the first period was a 45 minute weather warning with a weatherman who was a nonstop talker. Greg's TV was lucky and the wings eventually won 2-1.
See the frisbee in midair! That is good timing with a digital.
The traditional handshake was borrowed from hockey. Unlike hockey there is no fighting. I think that is because there are no referees, also read rules 9 and 10.
They finished 8th out of 30 or 40 teams. I think i know the guy with red hair. If you click on the title you can read about ultimate frisbee on wickpedia.
