Earlier today I saw an article about T(rump) & Co. wanting to increase the budget by $150B or so, all to be allocated to Homeland Security, while reducing funding for programs benefiting everyday Americans. Of course this sounds dystopian, but it also called to mind two historical parallels. First, when the Roman Empire was in decline an…
Earlier today I saw an article about T(rump) & Co. wanting to increase the budget by $150B or so, all to be allocated to Homeland Security, while reducing funding for programs benefiting everyday Americans. Of course this sounds dystopian, but it also called to mind two historical parallels. First, when the Roman Empire was in decline and many generals returned from their campaigns, they frequently handed out large bonuses to the Praetorian Guard as a way to retain their loyalty, while they the generals, were going about their business of seizing power from the existing ruler and his supporters. The more recent case is that of Hitler’s SA or brown shirts, a mob of ruffians ( at one point they numbered as many as 3 million members) who helped put him in power and many of whom went on to join the ranks of the Gestapo and the SS. What I am saying is that T’s proposal may be more than just a desire to strengthen U.S. security. It could be a way to create a large force that is beholden to him and will eventually help him realize his monarchical dream. Though this is sheer speculation, it should give one pause.
Earlier today I saw an article about T(rump) & Co. wanting to increase the budget by $150B or so, all to be allocated to Homeland Security, while reducing funding for programs benefiting everyday Americans. Of course this sounds dystopian, but it also called to mind two historical parallels. First, when the Roman Empire was in decline and many generals returned from their campaigns, they frequently handed out large bonuses to the Praetorian Guard as a way to retain their loyalty, while they the generals, were going about their business of seizing power from the existing ruler and his supporters. The more recent case is that of Hitler’s SA or brown shirts, a mob of ruffians ( at one point they numbered as many as 3 million members) who helped put him in power and many of whom went on to join the ranks of the Gestapo and the SS. What I am saying is that T’s proposal may be more than just a desire to strengthen U.S. security. It could be a way to create a large force that is beholden to him and will eventually help him realize his monarchical dream. Though this is sheer speculation, it should give one pause.