panem et circenses

[BADBuckfever]

This phrase originates from Rome in Satire X of the Roman poet Juvenal (circa 100 AD ). In context, the Latin phrase panem et circenses (bread and circuses) is given as the only remaining cares of a Roman (American) populace which has given up its birthright of political involvement. Here Juvenal displays his contempt for the declining heroism of his contemporary Romans. Roman politicians devised a plan in 140 B.C. to win the votes of the poor; By giving out cheap food and entertainment, politicians decided that this policy of "bread and circuses" would be the most effective way to rise to power.
"… Already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man, the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions — everything, now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things: bread and circuses."
from here:Bread and circuses - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Does this stuff sound familiar?
Welfare (government freebies) and entertainment = bread and circus

 

[belmer]

War in Iraq=Circus
Tax Cuts during a War=Bread

 

[Kbovine]

Very interesting and so true. What does society seem to be interested in--the lives of celebrities, leisure, and handouts. What happened to moral duty, responsibility, etc.?

I came across this phrase in The Hunger Games books. That's an interesting read in connection with the direction our government is going...

 

[BADBuckfever]

Will America Replay the Roman Empire's Fall?
<center>Will America Replay
The Fall of the Roman Empire?

</center> Why is America like the Roman Empire?
<table align="right" width="120"> <tbody><tr> <td> <ins style="display: inline-table; border: medium none; height: 600px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 120px;"><ins id="google_ads_frame1_anchor" style="display: block; border: medium none; height: 600px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 120px;"></ins></ins>
</td></tr> </tbody></table>Because it has garrisoned its troops all over the world?
That's one reason, but only one.
Because Americans are like Romans?
Some are; some are like the Roman Senators of the fifth century, one of the most rapacious and ruthless ruling classes that ever held power. Think Mafia. For the amount of wealth: think billionaires today. Perhaps other Americans have begun to understand this: Obama's election would indicate that. However, the selfish class is fighting hard to keep its privileges. Obama's election is no guarantee that they won't prevail in the end.
Roman Senators were selfish and self-absorbed, determined to hoard the huge wealth of the empire and determined to promote empire to enhance their wealth even further. The common people lost all power and were lucky if they had enough to eat (they were the humiliores, literally the humble, as opposed to the honestiores, the honored). To learn how this happened, click on Brief History.
<table align="left" width="120"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>



Our CEO's and the well-connected, may even style themselves after those fateful Senators, the ones who presided over and helped connive in the Fall of Rome.
The Roman Empire fell because it was bankrupted by its leaders; well, look at the red ink now! Budget deficits, trade deficits, a huge national debt that tripled when George W Bush took power and has now grown even faster under Obama. At least the deficits Obama is running now might prevent further economic catastrophe--if the bailout funds aren't all stolen by the high-fliers, and if the bloated financial system is radically reformed. What are the chances?
Does anyone remember when we were actually paying down the debt?



Romans, and now Americans, have had the misfortune of being ruled by a Selfish Class. Rome fell because of it. Will America replay the Fall of Rome?