13 June 2007

ProgressiveHistorians:: Hadrian's Forum: Roman Dictator Subverted the Constitution and Set an Example

ProgressiveHistorians:: Hadrian's Forum: Roman Dictator Subverted the Constitution and Set an Example: "There are not too many parallels between Sulla and Bush, other than one: both attempted to subvert the constitution, but for one reason or another, neither could. Sulla didn't because he didn't want to subvert the constitution, although he could have. Bush hasn't been able to, because he doesn't have the intellect or the political skill.

However, just a few decades later, Julius Caesar would rise up, following Sulla's example. He would also wage war against fellow Romans, seize absolute power, and become dictator for life. Rome wasn't as lucky with Caesar, because Caesar wouldn't give up his powers so easily. Caesar's habit of granting clemency to his enemies gave him a following with the common people that Sulla's proscriptions didn't. But because of Caesar following Sulla's example, and the fact that Caesar's adopted son and heir, Gaius Octavius, followed Caesar's example, the republic was ruined.

This is what I fear about the example Bush has set, and those who may attempt to follow his example in the future. Only any future president wishing to follow in Bush's example may not be as much of an intellectual lightweight, or as politically reckless. A future such president may subvert the constitution and the republic in ways that Bush will not be able to."

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