Decline of the Empire

Does history matter to politicians anymore? Does history matter to Americans?

I know one should not read too much into historical parallels, but I am finding that the empire of chimpery is becoming more and more similar to the Roman Empire (and not just because I have been watching Rome on the ol' home box office). There are three key features to be noted when thinking about the chimperor fiddlin' while the world is burning:

1) The good ol' US of an A is still ruling by active military oppression (its not just for cold war anymore folks), even as American military effectiveness is in serious decline. Compare the unparalleled decline of the current US Military machine to past military organizations in wane.

2) Global oppression by military power will become less and less affordable, and ideological control will take over (it was Christianity, it is some extreme form of competitive Capitalism now) consider that both belief systems work very well for maintaining social control over those of us who are not oil men.

3) What we could call, Asian interests (Islam, China, India, South/Meso-American) will become overwhelming and lead to a takeover of US and European institutions (which will be mostly corporations and security). There may be a few military confrontations, but nothing of World War dimensions.

By the time the military power declines, the empire is already moribund. But like in Rome, most of the people do not realize it. I think Europe is a bit more advanced in that realization. And have let go over there former colonial interests with much more grace and nuance than the good ol boys of 'Merica could ever muster on a date.

So, who is managing the declining empire? (specific individuals, that is. Definitely not Bush -- come on Bush does not even think he is running anything anymore, assuming he ever did). I do believe that nationality, religion, and ethnicity are thrown into a global cultural cauldron, whether or not we can move beyond our limited territorial thinking into something more profound, something more humane... only time will tell. And so far, it is not looking good.

History is the ulimate ref on this, of course. And we can all shout that it is morning in 'Merica all we like. The reality is that it is already way past midnight.