WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT: Our Nero

Nero

Most people are familiar with Nero (37-68 A.D.) who ruled ancient Rome as emperor from from 54 A.D.to his death by suicide in 68 A.D. Unfortunately (for him), his name lives in infamy as he is most known for his debauchery, avarice, barbarity, political cruelty, and sloth. He was a womanizer, married multiple times, and carried out numerous illicit affairs. He was accused of murdering his mother and pregnant wife. Although never definitively proven, it is highly likely that Nero started the cataclysmic fire that destroyed most of Rome in 64 A.D. Critics claim that he began the fire to clear room for his spectacular private residence, the Domus Aurea (House of Gold).

Nero came to power under dubious circumstance and consolidated his power with ruthless brutality. He was known to be narcissistic and incredibly self indulgent. But, he staged elaborate displays like gladiatorial games and lavish, decadent parties to highlight his wealth and power. And, in the beginning it worked. Because of this, people saw him as generous, kind, and accessible. They envisioned the young Nero as the antidote for the previous emperor, Claudius, a doting, old man. In fact, one of the first things Nero did was roll back most of the policies put in place by Claudius.

POWER CORRUPTS. ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY

However, the love affair between Nero and the people of Rome didn't last long. It seems he cared little for truly ruling the people and much for his own self-enrichment. As he consolidated his power and became more and more in love with his own image, the people of Rome become less and less enamored with his reign.

He crushed his political opponents in the most barbarous ways, purging most of the Roman senate.  And, he NEVER accepted responsibility for ANY of his actions, blaming others when convenient, and making them pay dearly - like immolating early Christians (a convenient scapegoat) to use as human torches to light his garden. His lavish spending, tax breaks for the wealthy, and ill advised conflicts on foreign soil (including Judea and Gaul) all contributed to an uncertain economy and a distrusting populace.

Eventually, the people of Rome had enough. Acting on behalf on the people, the Roman senate declared Nero "an enemy of the public". He knew that his days were numbered and attempted to escape the city. When the attempt failed, he took his own life, vainglorious to the end, uttering with his last breath: "What an artist dies in me".

This may seem extreme to some but I see a disturbing amount of parallels between Nero and our current President, Donald J. Trump. Trump, like Nero, seems obsessed with his own image. He constantly refers to himself with glittering superlatives like "the greatest ever". Trump, once seen as an alternative to the standard politician has, so far, been woefully inadequate for the job. His tax breaks for the wealthy have helped the economy (and, many of his wealthy friends) in some ways but has proven problematic for most working class people. He creates policies that seem to enrich himself and his family (like using Trump properties for official government business). Trump also loves to use bluster and pomp to solidify the image that he is the man in power. Perhaps without the violence, he still brutally oppresses anyone in opposition to his position and status. And, he edges us closer everyday to conflict in the Middle East, particularly with Iran.

Yes, my friends, the comparisons are too real to ignore. Like the Roman people and its senate, WE have the power to change it. and, the time is NOW!!! He is an enemy of the people . . .