Today's MOZEN: The Man Who Would Be Emperor

F LoBuono

As a student of ancient history, I have always marveled at the similarities between Imperial Rome and the United States. Evidence of that connection can be found in the structure of many of our laws and in the use of Latin for many of our bedrock principles like E Pluribus Unum.

Well, I see another parallel between that ancient power and what is happening to us under Donald J. Trump.

Bronze Image of Spartacus

At the time of the slave revolt (73-71 BCE) against Rome led by the legendary gladiator, Spartacus, the City/State was still a Republic and featured a senate of democratically elected officials led by two (2) annually elected co-consuls. This was one of the earliest versions of Division of Powers so that one branch of government could not dominate the other. And, ONE man could not consolidate HIS powers. In other words, it was a democracy (at least of sorts). In times of great distress, the Roman senate would appoint a dictator with absolute power for 6 months to deal with the emergency. However, at the end of that time period, the single dictator would, at least theoretically, relinquish his post. And, this system worked for many hundreds of years.

As the revolt roiled and the slaves defeated inept Roman general

Bust of Marcus Lucinius Crassus

after general and threatened the city herself, the Senate panicked. They looked for a savior and thought that they found one in Marcus Licinius Crassus, a wealthy statesman/general from one of Rome's patrician families. Crassus pledged to defeat Spartacus by training and equipping an army at his own expense and leading it against the gladiator. He would use this as leverage to consolidate his power and, eventually, become Emperor, thereby signaling the beginning of the end for the Roman Republic.

As is often the case with people who thirst for absolute power, Crassus' strengthened his grasp of it by eliminating any and all rivals, often by violent means. In the classic Stanley Kubrick film, Spartacus (1960) which puts a Hollywood spin on history, Crassus, played by Laurence Olivier, finally defeats Spartacus (Kirk Douglas) on the battlefield. After his triumphant return to Rome, Crassus begins to purge any and all officials who may have disagreed with his methods and his thirst for absolute power. One of them is Senator Graccus, played by Charles Laughton (who co-wrote the script), Throughout the film, Graccus represents the consciousness of the Roman people, often in opposition to Crassus' lust for glory. Eventually, Crassus summons Graccus to the palace to confront him. Crassus explains that he has a list of enemies of the state and that they will suffer the consequences of their actions. Graccus responds by asking where HIS name appears on the list. Crassus shoves the list in Graccus' face and says "FIRST", sealing his fate.

Photo: Caroline Brehman

This, in it's own modern form, is actually being executed by President Trump even as I write this post.

After being acquitted by a Republican stacked Senate in a sham of an Impeachment Trial, Mr. Trump, was given virtually unlimited power by his minions. He has now set out to not only consolidate his power, but also reap his revenge on those who had the temerity to oppose him. In addition to his vicious verbal attacks on Democratic leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff, he had three men who had the audacity to suggest Mr. Trump had abused his power during their testimony before the House of Representatives removed from their positions within the government. These men include decorated veteran Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman , his twin brother (who never testified but one can only assume was removed because he looks like his brother), and former EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland. All of these men are well regarded within their communities and only spoke the truth as they saw it.

This wanton, vindictive assault on men of integrity and service by a bloated, draft-dodging demagogue who would be Emperor, makes a mockery of the Rule of Law. The only thing more damning than the President's abhorrent behavior is the sycophantic loyalty demonstrated by his minions in the Senate. They have not only supported Mr. Trump's demeanor, but their lack of fortitude has encouraged it to become even worse.

For these reasons, it is not hyperbole to fear for the future of OUR Republic. Just as Rome lost hers through greed, avarice, and lust for power by the few, we are in danger of losing our freedom to a man who lacks intelligence, grace, wisdom, compassion, and foresight - unless we stop him and his supporters from stealing it. 

WE have the power - don't let a MAN WHO WOULD BE EMPEROR, take it from us. Resist. Write. Scream. Vote.

Epilogue: Just a few examples of Roman Imperial Power -

The Emperor Nero (54-68 AD) allegedly had his mother murdered to consolidate his power.

Caligula (37-41 AD) had is adopted son, his father-in-law, and his brother-in-law, executed to keep his.