Does anyone see parallels between Ancient Rome and modern day America?

Ancient Rome had volatile Caesar's and a thoroughly corrupt senate. The greatest wealth was enjoyed by a select few. And the government of that day and age knew of a very simple way to keep the masses in check. Entertainment. "Give them bread and circuses!", was the credo.





Likewise, today are people not placated and satiated by entertainment? As long as we have our cars, electronic gadgets, toys, blockbuster movies etc., people are willing to accept whatever is forced upon them. Look at how $700 billion inexplicably disappearing barely raised an eye in the public.





Give them bread and circuses? Indeed.|||While there may be some surface parallels, it is important to realize that the ancient Romans at the time of the Republic and the Empire had a very different political system and mindset than that of the American government. Drawing too close a comparison is not a very good way to evaluate either state.|||We are losing our national identity as well. Political correctness tells us to go our own way and become a victim and expect entitlements. Nobody wants to be responsible for their actions or contribute anything for the good of all. Unfortunately, most only concern themselves with where their next six-pack is coming from.|||Political corruption, big time. The American congress has more perverts than a french clown circus. Both are world super powers militarily speaking and spoils systems are used in both forms of "democracy".|||Too many people want to see the U.S. as a great world power, like Ancient Rome. It would make plenty of sense that all of these parallels exist when we use them as a role model!|||Good thinking. But in Ancient Rome they


probably had more fun i think. I mean real FUN.|||yes|||it is not as simple as that





maybe you are dissatisfied with certain government measures but US has democracy, try to live in Iraq, Iran, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia etc. for a while





Ancient Rome was an empire and naturally not perfect, corrupt senate and so on is only partly true, how could the Roman Empire exist for about 1000 years - 500 years as an empire - being such corrupt as you think


when the Roman Empire in Europe collapsed 600-800 years lasted the dark middle ages, no country could replace the Roman culture and influence, there was practically no trace of culture





the culture of Europe is based on the Greek and Roman traditions, think of maths, law, philosophy etc., try to speak with intelligent people in Europe: they know the ancient politicians and philosophers, they know ancient gods etc., naturally they do not believe in these Gods any more but in a very fine way it influences their behaviour, a good education in Europe means also to know the ancient times





US may have a lot of problems and so on but it is a balancing force since the second world war, I do not wish you to experience a life without this balancing power but maybe you will





when a strong empire collapses after that never comes a good time for a rather long period





$700 billion is nothing compared to a real crisis





"bread and circus" you may be right but be happy, in most countries there is no bread and no circus