Comparison between Rome and the United States

This article is likely the most controversial article I have posted to date. It is also the most unnerving post I have posted. In this article I compare the fall of Rome and what I “see” happening in the United States today. I am not saying this will happen, but I am saying it is something we should seriously consider.

The purpose of this article, references, and my comments are at the end of the article. I ask you to read this article in its entirety.

If you agree or disagree, I would like to hear your reasons. Please leave comments either on my Facebook page or at the bottom of this blog. -GL Snodgrass

Introduction

While working on another article, I looked up what caused Rome to fall. When I did, I happened across an article, “8 Reasons Why Rome Fell.” As I read the article I could not help noticing what I saw as similarities between Rome and the United States. This concerned me enough I wanted to investigate further.

The article written by Evan Andrews (https://www.history.com/news/8-reasons-why-rome-fell) described reasons for the fall of Rome. Among the searches there were many more “reasons” listed, but I found this article quite intriguing.

As I read each of the sub-headlines and the paragraph, I began to notice similarities to “my views” of the United States. Perhaps I am way off base here and things are not as similar as I believe. Although, as one who want to remain ready in case of a calamity, the apparent parallel track was eerily uncanny. So much so I had to follow up and see where this journey would take me.

As we read through the “8 Reasons”, think about the current situation in the United States. Do any of these reasons resonate with actions being taken within the United States? Do you see any similar actions happening in the United States? I believe they do.

If we are to be holistically ready (completely, wholly) we must “keep our finger on the pulse” of what is happening around us. Should the United States share the same “fate” as Rome – I guess it would be safe to say things would be a lot different than they are today! If that is not, “The End Of The World As We Know it” (TEOTWAWKI), it is as close to it as we can get.

The “8 Reasons Why Rome Fell”

#8 “Weakening of the Roman Legions”

Due to recruiting challenges from within the Roman population, Rome had to hire mercenaries. The mercenary’s loyalty was only to themselves, and to those who paid them. At least until someone came along and paid them more. It is estimated today that over 70% of the American population is not eligible to join the military. The majority of those who are ineligible are due to being overweight. The remainder are ineligible due to drug issues, criminal records or lack of education.

When I was in recruiting the first question I would ask was, “When was the last time you spoke to a police officer”? Most of the individuals I would talk to were not eligible to enlist due to criminal records or drugs and this was a good test.

A search on, “Weakening of the United States Military” resulted in a number of articles discussing our military being weak or weakening. One such article was, “A Significantly Weaker America : Major study warns of eroding U.S. Military”. The article was published by Joe Gould and Aaron Mehta for DefenseNews on 4Oct17. In their article they discuss the perception, or the lack thereof, of America’s resolve to deter “bad actors and tyrannical dictators.” Consequently, our resolve is not so resolute any longer and the deterrent it used to provide has dissolved. This has increased the danger of a threat against America by the rest of the world. Their article was based on “The Heritage Foundation’s 2018 Index of Military Strength.”

The Heritage Foundation’s Index scores several aspects of the United States.

United States Army
- The Heritage index scores the U.S. Army capacity as “Weak”.
- The Army’s capability as “Marginal”.
- The Army’s readiness as “Weak”.
- The “Overall S. Army score: Weak.”

United States Navy
- The Heritage index scores the U.S. Navy capacity as “Marginal”.
- The Navy’s capability as “Weak”.
- The Navy’s readiness score as “Marginal”.
- The “Overall S. Navy score: Marginal”.

United States Air Force
- The Heritage index scores the U.S. Air Force capacity as, “Marginal”.
- The U.S. Air Force capability score as “Marginal”.
- The U.S. Air Force readiness score as “Marginal”.
- The “Overall S. Air Force score: Marginal”.

United States Marine Corps
- The Heritage index scores the U.S. Marine Corps capacity as, “Weak”.
- The U.S. Marine Corps capability as, “Marginal”.
- The U.S. Marine Corps readiness as “Weak”.
- The “Overall S. Marine Corps score: Weak”.

United States Nuclear Weapons
- The Heritage index scores U.S. Nuclear Weapons capabilities as, “Strong”.
- The Nuclear warhead modernization score is, “Weak”.
- Reliability of United States to delivery platforms is “Strong”.
- Nuclear delivery systems modernization scored, “Strong”.
- Nuclear weapons complex scored, “Weak”.
- The quality of the people working in the National Nuclear Laboratories scored, “Marginal”.
- The readiness of forces scored, “Marginal”.
- Allied assurance scored, “Marginal”.
- Nuclear test readiness scored, “Weak”.
- The “Overall S. Nuclear Weapons capability scored Marginal”.

Combining the scores, the United States Military capability is, “Marginal”. Essentially, if a major overhaul is not undertaken our military might will not be any longer.

#7 “Christianity and the loss of traditional values”

In Rome some scholars say, “Christianity may have played a small role in curbing Roman civic virtues; most scholars now argue that its influenced paled in comparison to military, economic and administrative values.”

The United States was founded on Christian values from it birth. For centuries, those values were instilled in the citizens of this country at home and in school. Even most immigrants brought these same values with them. It was partly the glue that held us and our country together and made us strong. In an article published by Morgan Edwards (20Jul18) for Prepare For Change (https://prepareforchange.net/2018/07/20/mass-exodus-from-the-church-the-percentage-of-young-adults-with-no-religious-affiliation-has-nearly-quadrupled-since-1986/) he discusses why we need to get back to our, “Christian values and principles”. Of the three components that each of us possess; spiritual, emotional, and physical, spiritual is the foundation upon which we stand firm.

In an article by Walter Williams, “Losing Traditional Moral Value Has hurt our Society” – My View (21Jan13) he discusses the “war” being waged on “traditions, customs, and moral values”. He states, “These people [“nation’s liberals and progressives”] taught their vision, that there are no moral absolutes, to our young people. To them, what’s moral or immoral is a matter of convince, personal opinion or a consensus”. The idea is rules and laws will guide people’s actions.

No amount of rules or laws can replace the morals of individuals. In my article, “Morals and Integrity”, I discuss the lack of morals and integrity in our society. The morals each person has within them directs their actions more than a rule of law.

A simple illustration of this is the speed limit. A person is cruising along on the interstate doing 75 miles per hour (mph). The speed limit is 70 mph, but it’s only a bit above the limit, so no big deal. However, the “law” states the speed limit is 70, not 75. The “law” evidently did not prevent the person from speeding. A few miles up the road and the speed limit changes to 55 mph. As they pass a police officer they hear the siren and see the blue lights as the police officer pull onto the interstate.

A short time later the speeding driver receives a ticket for reckless driving. The speeding driver is mad at the police officer for giving them a ticket. But who is really at fault? The police officer? The government? Correct, the person who was speeding. The “law” stated the speed limit was “55”. Which is decided on by the government – “a law”. The police officer is to “enforce” the law. However, neither the police officer nor the law could make the speeding driver slow down. Only the person behind the wheel of the speeding vehicle could make the decision and then take the necessary action to reduce their speed – integrity.

Just because the “rule of law” says (shows) the speed limit is 70, the driver was still exceeding the speed limit – 75 mph. When the “rule” changed to 55 the driver continued to speed. But now they were doing 20 mph over the speed limit. A rule or law does not make people do the “right thing” – only the person doing the action can. Rules and laws cannot make people do anything. That is why I say, “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching”. Rules and laws only work when they are followed. In most cases, this is only done when someone is being observed. Personal integrity causes a person to do that which is right all the time.

If the driver had integrity and slowed when the speed limit (law) changed, they would have not received a ticket. Likely, if they were doing 60 mph (5 over, like they were when the speed limit was 70), they would have not received a ticket. If the driver truly had integrity they would have been doing the speed limit all the time and adjusted their speed as the speed limit changed. The point here is, laws do not “make” people do the right thing, people do.

#6 “The Arrival of the Huns and the Migration of the Barbarian Tribes”

Rome was attacked by the Barbarians, in part, by the invasion of the Huns in Europe. Many of the Barbarians were living in northern Europe at the time.

Although the Romans allowed the immigrants to migrate into the Roman territory, they were not welcomed with open arms, or as equals. In fact, they treated the immigrants very poorly – forcing them to sell their children into slavery for food that was of poor quality, to put mildly. This created enemies with their borders. Eventually a revolt took place, which eventually led to the sacking of Rome.

A situation is happening now in the Middle East that is resembles this (Syrian Refugees). The “invasion” of Al Qaeda and the Islamic State has led to “6.1 million internally displaced people and 4.8 million seeking refuge…”. In 2016, a total of 38,901 Muslim refugees entered the United States. In total, since the passing of the 1980 Congressional “Refugee Act of 1980, about 3 million refugees have entered the United States. Refugees cost American taxpayers an estimated $1.8 billion plus the strain they place on our welfare and other social assistance programs. Not every person leaving a country is doing so because they are in “danger” some are leaving to get into the United States for nefarious purposes. [Note: There is a very real possibility that infiltration of other countries (US included) was part of the reason for the “war” to begin with.]

I want to go on record that not all refugees are “bad”. However, one can see the potential for trouble, and this is only in the United States. Other countries have accepted a lot more refugees than the United States. Actions are now globally connected. If something happens in another part of the world the ripples can (and usually do) spread to impact the United States.

[Update: Migrant caravans from Central America continue to attempt entrance into the US. Some sources (How large is the migrant caravan? Politifact) estimate as of 29 Oct 2018 that number is 14,000. Another source states (What we know about illegal immigration from Mexico. FactTank) estimates there are about 6.6 million illegal immigrants living in the US in 2016. According to the same source (FactTank) Mexico makes up 26.6% of immigrants into the US.]

#5 “Government corruption and Political instability”

One does not have to look hard to find government corruption or political instability. Every day there are new articles talking about the corruption of our government.

In an article by Ambassador Terry Miller, “Big Government and Political Instability Intertwined”, for Heritage.org (22Aug12) he discusses the instability initiated by government corruption. When the government takes over every aspect of a person’s life the risk of corruption the amount of money involved becomes great. The more money involved the more likely there is to be corruption. When corruption takes over, the stability of the government is at risk. It is akin to the lottery jackpot. When the jackpot is low not very many people participate. When the lottery jackpot is great it seems everyone wants to play.

In an article by Serla Rusli for the UK’s The Telegraph (1Jun17) she states the, “US has become a much less peaceful country due to its current political turbulence, according to a new report.” The United States is now ranked 114 out of 163 independent states and territories. The United States has dropped, “11 rungs from 2015”. In only two years (the last report was in 2017) we fell 11 places. [Note: As of 2018 the Untied States 121 out of 163 on the Global Peace Index.] Global peace, “has declined for the fourth consecutive year”. Global peace, “has deteriorated by 2.38 per cent since 2008”. The “economic impact of violence has increased by 16 per cent since 2012”.

The “political polarity in the United States…is already evident”. If this continues one can only imagine things will only get worse for us who live here.

#4 “Over-expansion and Military Spending”

Rome, because of its vast size, had “administrative and logistical nightmare”. Communication was difficult for them and moving supplies and troops quickly become problem-some.

The United States and its territories encompasses the continental United States of North America (including Alaska), and sixteen territories in the Caribbean Sea, South Pacific Ocean, and the western portion of the north Pacific Ocean. (Wikipedia – Untied States and it’s Territories).

This is a fairly wide expanse (~ 11.8 million square miles). Granted communication is better now and our fleet of ships and airplanes can help move items around our nation, however, there are still logistical challenges, especially in times of crisis (e.g. Katrina-New Oreleans, Maria -Puerto Rico). Additionally, with a weakened military (see #8), it would be difficult to protect or govern all of this area at the same time should something seriously happen.

Many articles and opinions abound on who is “mismanaging” in the United States’ budget (sound like “instability”?). Regardless of who is to blame at the end of 2018 the United States debt is estimated to be $21.48 trillion.

In the article by Ambassador Terry Miller (above) states our debt (U.S.) as a percentage of GDP has gone from 67.2% in 2007 to 102.9% in 2011.

#3 “The rise of the eastern Empire”

While the United States has not actually “divided” into two physical empires, like the Roman Empire, there are serious divisions within the United States.

Political parties are divided, not only between democrats and republicans, but within the parties themselves. It seems like every day another top government official is involved in some sort of scandal. This division is taking its toll on Americans.

Not only are our government leaders (and I use them term loosely) divided, unless they are bashing someone else they do not work with each other to create a better place to live. Occasionally, on a non-critical issue, to have the facade of “working together” they will work together. Seldom does this involve a serious issue, unless they are forced (black mailed, bribed, etc.) does anything really get achieved.

Now, this statement may not be true, but the perception seen by most folks (myself included) our government leaders are only there to “get rich and get out”. If we are to, “Make America Great” again, everyone needs to work together – especially our government leaders.

#2 “Economic troubles and over reliance on slave labor”

Rome was experiencing a financial crisis (sound familiar?) which was causing the empire to crash from within. In a recent article I posted, “Financial Crisis/Collapse Scenario” (11Jul18) I discuss the potential impacts of a financial crisis. Financial experts do not always agree on anything, but most of them agree we are headed down a slippery slope with regards to the economy.

No one wants to talk about it, but slavery still exists in world, and the United States. Now days it called, “human trafficking”. And human trafficking is very real the world over, the US included. A search on “slavery in America” on Google will result in a plethora of articles on slavery, today, in the United States.

In an article by Robert Evans for Cracked.com (20Sep17), he talks about the plight of one woman who fell victim to human trafficking within the textile industry. While she was able to escape, she is still not free from the fear.

Reports state there are between 40,000 and 60,000 “slaves” in America (from articles found during the search). These people are nannies, textile workers, farm hands, and much more. In fact, most people in America are “slave” to something, usually their job. Many Americans “have” to work – many work more than one job – just to survive.

A large portion (if not all) of the U.S. economy is reliant on these workers. The goods produced by the “slave labor force” are funneled into the global economy. Because the economy is so out of balance and those who exploit these slaves are so greedy the two are intricately intertwined.

Stopping human trafficking will have a significant impact on the global economy. We must overhaul our economy and stop slavery in all its forms.

#1 “Invasion by Barbarian Tribes”

The year the “last war” fought on American soil was 1942 when Japanese Imperial troops landed on the islands of Attu and Kiska. These two islands are part of the Aleutian Island chain which was part of the Alaska Territory (now the State of Alaska).

The Mexican-American war in 1847-1848 was fought in Texas and Mexico.

The last war involving a foreign power fought entirely on American soil was the war of 1812. Except for our Civil War (12Apr1861-9May1865) The wars and conflicts America has participated in since have been fought on other continents.

Even so, no American, alive today, has ever witnessed war on American soil. I believe most Americans have become complacent, maybe even arrogant, that war could never happen in our country. This is a dangerous stance to take.

Something to consider, an article by Frosty Wooldridge for News With Views, “America Flat-Out Being Invaded” (31Mar17) says that over 500,000 foreigners each year, “jump America’s southern border with Mexico”. This occurs with the “blessing” and assistance from the Mexican government.

He goes on to state the 340 sanctuary cities house 20 million to 31 million illegal aliens. That is about 6.3% to 9.7% of the United States population (318, 558,162 – World Population Review).

I am not against immigration. Our country was founded due to immigration. My ancestors migrated from Scotland/Ireland even before there was a “United States”. However, besides the fact there is a legal process to do so, not everyone who enters the United State is interested in the health and welfare of the United States.

Part of Rome’s collapse was due to mercenaries with no loyalty to Rome (see #8). I think it is safe to say that not every group in the world wants the U.S. to prosper. The easiest way to take a country down is from within. The easiest way to get into a country is illegal immigration or as a “refugee”.

Additionally, not every “battle field” is on sea, land, or in the air. There is a new battle field – cyberspace.

In an article by Morgan Wright for The Hill (“America’s being invaded by China and Russia with chips, bits and bytes” – 4May18) he talks about how America is being invaded by China and Russia.

Companies from China and Russia continually infiltrate our cyber components (networks, computers, etc.). Our dependency on all things cyber (banking, electricity, security – home, business, phones, cars, etc.) makes us more vulnerable than ever before. The 2018 Index of Military Strength briefly discuss the vulnerabilities of cyberspace and that few truly understand the scope of the problem faced by those who are to protect it. In essence, they said it is a problem that needs to be dealt with but gave no indication as to its vulnerabilities or recommendations on its security. My take away from the report was cyberspace is the 1,000-pound elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about.

Tied to the invasion aspect, the Heritage Foundation’s 2018 Index of Military Strength gave a “Favorable” score for the Global Operating Environment for Europe, Middle East and Asia. However, those are the only areas scored in the report. The report did not mention any other location. This means these areas are favorable to foster anti-US sentiment and attacks on the US.

The 2018 Index of Military Strength gives a rating of “High” to Threats to U.S. Vital Interests. They did note in the report that probably not all the “vital interests” were addressed by this report. The areas addressed to make their assessment are, “Behavior of Threats”, “Capability of Threat”, and “Threat to U.S. Vital Interests”.

The countries discussed regarding the “Behavior of Threats” were, Russia, Iran, Middle East Terrorism, Af-Pak Terrorism, China, and North Korea. All except China were rated as “Aggressive”. China was rated as “Testing”. The Overall rating for “Behavior of Threat” was “Aggressive”.

The same countries were evaluated for “Capability of Threat”. Russia and China were rated as “Formidable”. Iran and North Korea were rated as “Gathering”. Middle East Terrorism and Af-Pak Terrorism were rated as “Capable”. The Overall rating for “Capability of Threat” was, “Gathering”.

[Note: The term “Gathering” is not expressly defined in the document; however it is the second highest capability in the list. “Formidable” tops the list regarding capacities. My assumption is that these countries are not “Formidable” yet but are getting close.]

The same countries were rated for “Threat to U.S. Vital Interests”. All of the countries (Russia, Iran, Middle East Terrorism, Af-Pak Terrorism, China, and North Korea) were rated as “High”. The Overall rating for “Threat to U.S. Vital Interests” was “High”.

Summary

In this article I have listed the “8 Reasons Why Rome Fell”. It is my opinion, America is following the events closely that toppled a once mighty empire.

Truth be told, all of the great empires of the world have fallen, largely to the same series of events of the Roman Empire.

I do not know if it is too late to, “Make America Great” again, I hope not. I do know, if we do not change our thinking and reestablish morals back into our country the future looks mighty grim.

Americans need to head the advice of Charlie Daniels (In America), “…put her feet back on the path of righteousness again and then God bless America again”.

I realize what I am saying in this article is controversial and many will not want to acknowledge what I am saying. However, if we do nothing, the journey of America is going to be bleak. I also know, if we work together and lay aside our petty differences we will succeed in saving our country and our way of life.

To build a successful community everyone must do their part. Those who are unwilling to be part of the solution must go. Our country, at one time, did have the same basic moral code and worked to build a great nation. Either we do so again or be prepared for the outcome.

Purpose of this Article

Why am I writing this article? No, it is not to scare you or put you into fear. In fact, my goal is quite the opposite.

Fear is caused by, “A potential for pain, or unrecognized event” (1Apr16 – Effective Mind Control). I want to make you aware of this “event”. If it is known, then there is less to fear. Knowledge gives us the ability to take control and make the changes necessary to restore our nation back to the greatness it once was.

This is the reason why I tell people to keep, “Their finger on the pulse” of world events. If we are aware of what is happening around us (Situational Awareness) the “surprise” factor is eliminated or at least significantly reduced. Now that we know what could happen – now what?

Regardless if we are heading toward a collapse or not, we are heading down a slippery slope that will eventually lead to our demise if we are not careful. We have a choice, continue down this slippery slope, or get back to our roots and leave this path to destruction.

Now we Know

Knowing is not enough, but it is a first step in being ready. Knowing what could happen is the key to planning for what we can do if it should happen.

When we know something could happen we can plan what we will do, so when an event happens we can be ready for it.

An example of this is the weather. If we watch or look up the weather and see that rain is forecasted (could rain) we can plan to take our umbrella or a raincoat. Now if it should rain we are ready for this event. If it does not rain, we are still ready.

The same is true with our readiness for events such as those I have discussed in this article. According to the reasons that Rome fell, we are headed down the same path (know). America could fall. Now that we know what could happen we can plan what actions we need to take to be ready for such an event.

Once we have planned for the event, should the event occur, we will know what to do. Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying, “If you fail to plan, You plan to fail”. Failure during a serious crisis will not end well. -GL Snodgrass

Questions:

Q: Will having a plan guarantee I will survive?

A: No, I cannot guarantee having a plan will help you survive any disaster. I can guarantee that if you have a plan your chances of survival are greatly increased than if you do not have a plan.

Q: I am just one person; how can I make a difference in the outcome of America’s future?

A: Each of us has a certain amount of influence over those around us. What we say, do, and think gets passed on to those we come in contact. When our outlook is positive, the outlook of those around us is more likely to be positive as well. The same is true when we are down, or not positive. Those around us are likely to have a less positive outlook. If we instill integrity into our lives those around us will pick up on that and start instilling it into their lives. As more and more people start to instill integrity into their lives, they in turn infuse others. The same is true in being ready for an event. If we ensure we are ready for things that could likely happen, others around us will also start working on being ready.

This will not happen “immediately”, but you will start to see changes in those around you. Changes that will be for the better of everyone.

References: