Gibbon's Law

Is there some metaphysical bonus point offered in the alternative to Godwin's law by offering up relevant historical analogies not involving Hitler?

How about, if you can use an argument that Edward Gibbon would agree with, and your opponent cannot, you win?

If so, Max Baucus may be a winner, from Think Progress:

Mr. President, in ancient Rome, when the Senate lost its power, and the emperor became a tyrant, it was not because the emperor abolished the Senate. In ancient Rome, when the Senate lost its power, it continued to exist, at least in name. But in ancient Rome, when the Senate lost its power, in the words of the Senate’s historian, Senator Robert Byrd, the Senate became “little more than a name.”

In ancient Rome, when the Senate lost its power, the Roman Senate was complicit in the transfer. The emperor did not have to seize all the honors and powers. The Roman Senate, one after another, conferred greater powers on Caesar.

It was not the abolition of the Senate that made the emperor powerful. It was the Senate’s complete deference.

I've always liked this Gibbon line too, it also seems applicable to modern times:

"Augustus was sensible that mankind is governed by names; nor was he deceived in his expectation, that the senate and people would submit to slavery, provided they were respectfully assured that they still enjoyed their ancient freedom."-- Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Chapter 3

And here is another Gibbon quote that applies to those pushing for this bullshit...

Ambition is a weed of quick and early vegetation in the vineyard of Christ.

-- Gibbon, Chapter 69.