essay question (10 points)

[JB88]

what period in history is most similar to our own?

why?

[FrodeMk3]

If you wanna know the truth, JB...We'd make a mistake to try to compare current events with anything that's already transpired.

Economic recessions, Illegal immigration, Social system problems, The "War on terror", Election discrepancies, Drug abuse, education failures, etc...

We've never had one period in U.S. history that's had all of these things transpiring at once.

P.S. Feel free to add any of today's problems' I didn't list.

[JB88]

so, you don't feel that any comparisons can be drawn?  

what about world history?

[StSanta]

The fall of the Roman empire.

[FrodeMk3]

You will see occasional comparisons on a subject or two, but not the total sum of problems and issues.

We've changed, both technologically, and culturally, too far from anything else. Oh, you can draw a comparison on one or two points. Politically, It seems' a lot like Vietnam, the way the situation in Iraq is in the media. Economically, with the crash of the housing  market, with the way that financial institutions' have rather carelessly lent money, and the susequent effect on the Stock market/economy, It looks a little like the start of the great depression.(The government's been infusing alotta money into the market though, I don't think it'll get that bad. Well, I hope not.) The variables knock too many things out of whack, though. Trying to go back and say that these exact things are happening the same way they did before, though, Is not really gonna fly. It's just too different a world we live in, compared to any other event in history.

[FrodeMk3]

StSanta might have the closest thing to it. But the way the Roman empire fell, and The decline of the U.S., are too different in many ways.

[Rolex]

David Walker seems to think so.

Learn from the fall of Rome, US warned
By Jeremy Grant in Washington

Published: August 14 2007

The US government is on a ‘burning platform’ of unsustainable policies and practices with fiscal deficits, chronic healthcare underfunding, immigration and overseas military commitments threatening a crisis if action is not taken soon, the country’s top government inspector has warned.

David Walker, comptroller general of the US, issued the unusually downbeat assessment of his country’s future in a report that lays out what he called “chilling long-term simulations”.

These include “dramatic” tax rises, slashed government services and the large-scale dumping by foreign governments of holdings of US debt.

Drawing parallels with the end of the Roman empire, Mr Walker warned there were “striking similarities” between America’s current situation and the factors that brought down Rome, including “declining moral values and political civility at home, an over-confident and over-extended military in foreign lands and fiscal irresponsibility by the central government”.

“Sound familiar?” Mr Walker said. “In my view, it’s time to learn from history and take steps to ensure the American Republic is the first to stand the test of time.”

Complete article is Here >>

[FrodeMk3]

There's some truth to that, Rolex, but-

The roman's had some different issues' that they had. And their position and standing with other nation's was somewhat different, as well. I dunno.

[AWMac]

Originally posted by JB88
what period in history is most similar to our own?

why?

Seems I was pondering this same question in my bathtub just the other night... October I believe,,,

Suds all around... Several rubber duckies at my feet. A mean Aligator nearing my belly.  Then a Missle poped up and the duckies moved in to blockade it ....

The Aligator didn't like it but the Duckies were persistant!!!

A total standoff.... just one fart would have sent the whole bathtub off.

Then... Then.... THEN!!!!!







I got out and dried off....




Mac




Hid my Missle....

[john9001]

the roman empire started it's decline right after the libruls took over control of the senate, yes, i see a parallel.

[storch]

clear parallels can be drawn to the decline of any failing empire

[DREDIOCK]

Originally posted by StSanta
The fall of the Roman empire.

Thats pretty much what I was going ot say as well

[Charon]

My Roman empire similarities are:

The wide use of slave labor, in this case indentured servitude from illegals. Now, even if you own a 1/4 acre lot and are in perfect health you can afford lawn care or a weekly maid for your 1500 sq foot house.

The free spirit of Bacchus is alive and well.

The use of mercenary forces -- contractors -- to help fight our wars.

The lack of real power among the plebeian class, but the need to keep us happy with bread and circuses.  

Charon

[texasmom]

essay questions? Are we getting graded on these?

[Phaser11]

2007????