I disagree with you only on the tense of the verb in your statement that we live in a republic. I think it is now past tense: we lived in a republic . . . I think we are now like Rome at the end of Cicero’s life: we have all the outer forms and pretenses of a republic but the reality is that our people are now ruled by an unaccountable oligarchy. But I actually wish that I were wrong in this point and that you are really right. I want the Republic to live and thrive.
What a cool opportunity! Every time these things come up, my wife has me out of town. Ironically to Seans comment above or below, on a plane with my wife to Rome for her 40th. We'll love every minute of it, but I'd be lying if I said the luster of the world has worn off for me. Perhaps I can spend my time appreciating what was?
I'm not far from you on the political spectrum, but would point out that the air of superiority is not evenly spread across said spectrum. If you had posted a photo of yourself with, say, John Kerry, I doubt any of your conservative friends would have condemned you for doing so. Maybe I'm wrong, but in my own experience the exclusionary tendencies definitely lean left ...
I disagree with you only on the tense of the verb in your statement that we live in a republic. I think it is now past tense: we lived in a republic . . . I think we are now like Rome at the end of Cicero’s life: we have all the outer forms and pretenses of a republic but the reality is that our people are now ruled by an unaccountable oligarchy. But I actually wish that I were wrong in this point and that you are really right. I want the Republic to live and thrive.
What a cool opportunity! Every time these things come up, my wife has me out of town. Ironically to Seans comment above or below, on a plane with my wife to Rome for her 40th. We'll love every minute of it, but I'd be lying if I said the luster of the world has worn off for me. Perhaps I can spend my time appreciating what was?
I'm not far from you on the political spectrum, but would point out that the air of superiority is not evenly spread across said spectrum. If you had posted a photo of yourself with, say, John Kerry, I doubt any of your conservative friends would have condemned you for doing so. Maybe I'm wrong, but in my own experience the exclusionary tendencies definitely lean left ...