Sound familiar in every way?
"In contrast with the declining empire theories, historians such as Arnold J. Toynbee and James Burke argue that the Roman Empire itself was a rotten system from its inception, and that the entire Imperial era was one of steady decay of institutions founded in Republican times. In their view, the Empire could never have lasted longer than it did without radical reforms that no Emperor could implement. The Romans had no budgetary system and thus wasted whatever resources they had available. The economy of the Empire was a Raubwirtschaft or plunder economy based on looting existing resources rather than producing anything new. The Empire relied on booty from conquered territories (this source of revenue ending, of course, with the end of Roman territorial expansion) or on a pattern of tax collection that drove small-scale farmers into destitution (and onto a dole that required even more exactions upon those who could not escape taxation), or into dependency upon a landed élite exempt from taxation. With the cessation of tribute from conquered territories, the full cost of their military machine had to be borne by the citizenry.
An economy based upon slave labor precluded a middle class with buying power. The Roman Empire produced few exportable goods. Material innovation, whether through entrepreneurialism or technological advancement, all but ended long before the final dissolution of the Empire. Meanwhile the costs of military defense and the pomp of Emperors continued. Financial needs continued to increase, but the means of meeting them steadily eroded. In the end due to economic failure, even the armor of soldiers deteriorated and the weaponry of soldiers became so obsolete that the enemies of the Empire had better armor and weapons as well as larger forces. The decrepit social order offered so little to its subjects that many saw the barbarian invasion as liberation from onerous obligations to the ruling class."
Taken from here. Was searching the decline of the Roman Empire since it seems more and more relevant every day. The article also had some theories on inflation and a theory of general malaise that were spot on. My favorite line above is "the empire could never have lasted longer than it did without radical reforms that no Emperor could implement." Sounds like every news program these days. Touche, history.
I also love the last line. You know, staring down a cubicle destiny at the end of which there is absolutely no reason to hope for a comfortable retirement, complete social and economic collapse doesn't sound all that bad. At least then I won't have to pay my mortgage.
However, Rome took a good while to flame out, and I've always wondered what would happen in a total collapse. So I suppose I have a request for the "leaders" of this country. Keep up the good work! If there's any way to do less, be my guest! I know it's doubtful your performance could sink lower than present levels, but I have utmost faith in your total and complete incompetence.
Of course, you could try and turn this thing around. That'd be dandy too. But we all know you won't.
If Trump changes his name to Romulus Augustus, I'm in. Augustus 2012.
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