Day: 25. January 2012

I thought back to the aforementioned night of the ball. I had danced with all the sons of the people of high-society. Afterwards, I thought about how half of the people I danced with I didn’t even know. I decided to break free. I took a pad of paper and a pen and wrote down my plan.

The next morning, I awoke at dawn.  Just looking at the pink sky, with bursts of orange, peeks of yellow, and drops of lavender gave me courage. I pinned my hair up and put on rags so that I would like a boy.  I snuck downstairs and grabbed as much money as I can from my father’s money drawer in the dining room, put it in a pouch I had, and went back upstairs. I threw down some pillows to cushion my fall. I stood, poised on the railing of my balcony. I took one look at the beautiful pots of lilies and jumped. I landed with a thud on the cobblestone streets. The minute I felt the throbbing pain on the back of my head, I knew I should have positioned myself better before I jumped. I lay down on the pillows until the pain stopped. People were giving me sideways looks. I didn’t mind, since I was used to the attention because I’m, after all, the princess of England.

The sun had just risen and already the cobblestone street were filled with people, merchants, and workers. I took a bit of time to gather my wits about me. I was fourtunate enough to have left the day everybody does their shopping for the week. I followed what all the other commoners did. I went to the butcher, the bakery, and the cheese-seller. I still had to go to many more places and I had already ran out of money. I decided to do what I often see the poor children of our village doing- stealing. Creeping around, trying to remain anonymous, I stole some apples and other fruits from a fruit-seller. Alas, my plan did not work. The fruit-seller called, “Thief! Come back here!”  He then sent his guards after me. I ran, my feet pounding on the cobblestones.

“What are you talking about?America is not going to be destroyed.”

“Never?”

“Rome was destroyed,Greece was destroyed,Persia was destroyed,Spain was destroyed. All great countries are destroyed. Why not yours? How much longer do you really think your own country will last? Forever?”

-Rise Against, “Survivor Guilt”

          When looking back through the chronicles of history, one may notice many parallels between civilizations as well as many of the same problems occurring again and again throughout the centuries. One case where this is most evident is between Rome and theUnited States. The same problems that led to the Western Roman Empire’s demise are present in American society, including large division between the rich and the poor and unemployment. There are also many similarities in the organization of Roman government to the way the American government is organized. If the phrase “history repeats itself” is indeed true, the disastrous fall of Rome may have some serious and unfortunate implications as to where America is currently headed.

The Roman republic began with the overthrow of the previous overbearing government, the Roman monarchy, like America’s overthrow of King George III.  Roman government was primarily based on the concept of checks and balances and the division of power, two ideas incorporated into modern American government. While these similarities on their own did not lead to Rome’s demise, they left a certain impact on Roman culture, such as the strong opposition towards the idea of a monarchy and of a single individual being in charge. These beliefs, imbedded deep within Roman society, affected the development of the Western Roman Empire post-monarchy greatly. The two leaders were called consuls and were in charge of enforcing laws.  Rome’s Senate was made up of three hundred Patricians, wealthy landowners. The Senate had the power to elect a dictator who would have total control in times of war, and be forced to resign once the war ended. Society was divided between two classes, the Patricians, an elite group of nobles, and the plebeians, the majority of Roman people under them. This set up the scene for rebellions, especially since Senate membership was restricted to Patricians, so reforms were made early on in order to satisfy the plebeians, though the plebs still remained on a lower level than the Patricians above them. Included in the reforms was the power awarded to the plebeians to elect Tribunes to vote on laws. Measures were also taken to keep the plebs informed, like having twelve tablets with the official Roman law inscribed in them set up in the Forum, a public gathering area.
Rome’s struggle for power began against Carthage for control of the Mediterranean Sea. This launched a series of battles called the Punic Wars. In the first war, Rome won and received the islands of Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia. Rome’s position as an empire grew after its second victory against Hannibal (Carthage’s leader) which came with the acquisition of almost all of Carthage’s Mediterranean holdings. After these two victories, Rome revealed itself as a brutal foe when it opted to entirely eliminate the threat Carthage may pose in the future by pouring salt on the land so as to make it permanently infertile and enslaving its people. Overall, this resulted in enhancing Rome’s position as a world power and its reputation as a frightening enemy, as well as the growth of its economy (Carthage’s holdings also included important trade routes).
Despite Rome’s victory over its external enemy, problems remained with its domestic affairs. Within Rome, the gap between rich and poor was rapidly growing. The rich built Latifundia (large estates) while angry mobs of unemployed farmers rioted. The Gracchus brothers wanted to narrow the division between the rich and the poor by giving land and grain to the plebeians. They presented themselves as revolutionaries on the side of the people. This caused the Senate to have much contempt for them, and to eventually conspire to murder the brothers Tiberius and Gaius through orchestrating riots and hiding their killings within.

After the death of the brothers, chaos broke out, leading to civil war. This opened the door for Julius Caesar to come into power, with promises to solve Rome’s problems and stop the civil war. In 59 BCE, Caesar became consul. In 58, he went to Gaul (modern-dayFrance) to fight. By 52 he had conquered France, parts of Germany, and Britain. He was then ordered by the Senate to return home without his army. Caesar disobeyed the Senate and instead conquered Rome itself, having it totally under his control by 48. He then declared himself “Dictator for Life” and created the title “First Citizen”, or princeps. While the status he granted himself was quite similar to that of a monarch, Julius was careful not to call himself “king” for fear of stirring up the wrath of the public. After Caesar’s assassination on March 15 (Ides of March), 44 BCE, Octavian, his nephew, teamed up with his head general Marc Antony to capture his assassins. This alliance to capture Julius’s assassins quickly turned into a struggle for power between Antony and Octavian. Octavian eventually defeated Antony inEgypt, where they had teamed up with Cleopatra to exact revenge on Caesar’s assassins. This defeat left him truly in control of Rome and its people.

Taking advantage of this newly gained power, Octavian named himself Augustus, meaning revered or respected one, and ruled Rome from 31 BCE through 14 CE, with his power resting entirely with his army. This time period was called Pax Romana and involved prosperity and the acquisition of territory, as well as the growth of Rome in the amount of citizens. Sophisticated aqueducts and arches were seen as symbols of Rome’s dominance and power, especially since as yet no one else had perfected the technique of building an arch. But, in the time period between 180 and 284, the threat of barbarians, invading outsiders, grew increasingly more serious. Once again the great division between the rich and poor came into focus, and the government tried to keep the public distracted through the use of mass entertainment. The lack of faith and patriotism in Roman citizens became evident when the army was forced to hire mercenaries, paid soldiers, to fight against the barbarians. Even with mercenaries, though, Rome could not hold back the invading outsiders for very long.

Diocletian foresaw that Rome was headed for collapse, so he split Rome between the Eastern and Western empire with the idea that if one side fell, the other may be able to stay strong. The most troublesome group of barbarians was called Huns,  fierce nomadic warriors. These warriors were greatly feared by many nations, so much that their leader received the title Attila, meaning “scourge of G-d.” Attila launched a full invasion of Europe which was only halted temporarily by his death in 453. In 476, a Germanic leader overthrew the Western Roman Empire.

The parallels between Rome and America have not gone unnoticed, especially as unemployment rates rose and the economic situation worsened in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Many predict the worst and see only turmoil and collapse ahead. NPR featured in their morning show a segment drawing parallels between specific quotes from Roman leaders and George W. Bush. Famous author Cullen Murphy elaborates in his book Are We Rome?: the Fall of an Empire and the Fate of America on specific political strategies to avoid ending as Rome ended. Even punk rock band Rise Against has taken notice of the similarities, featuring in their song “Survivor Guilt” the dialogue shown above (pg.1) which accurately sums up the main idea of this essay.

The similarities begin with government. The aforementioned overthrow of the tyrannical King George III left Americans with a disdain towards governments or countries with one all-powerful leader that has survived to this day. Our government is called a representative democracy (where people don’t vote directly on laws but instead elect representatives to vote for them, thus making a politician a separate job) since it has a Senate consisting of a few hundred elected politicians, like the Roman government. While a position in the Senate is technically open to everyone and not restricted to an elite group like the Patricians, it is more difficult for a person not born to an influential wealthy family to gain a public office. The reason for this is that campaign funds are needed for advertisements, public relations, booking of venues for speeches, etc. There is also a wide gap between the rich and the poor, with studies showing that 1% of America share the top amount of wealth (being part of this elite group is usually defined by having an annual income of more than $250,000, though the most wealthy do not earn a regular income but rather acquire fortunes through investments and stocks) while the lower 99% live in relative poverty.

America has been through multiple conflicts and wars in the struggle for power. The country emerged from WWII as one of the world’s main superpowers besides Russia, which kicked off a turbulent, competitive time period known as the Cold War. American leaders such as Joseph McCarthy stirred up mass hysteria and fear towards the Communist country. America was especially disinclined to make peace with Russia due to the fact that Russia had one all-powerful leader named Joseph Stalin. Both countries tried to outdo each other, whether with the construction of atomic bombs or space travel equipment. Previously, during the war, America had revealed that it was not hesitant to completely devastate its enemies with the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, comparable to Rome’s pouring salt on Carthage’s ruins. Later, it got itself tied up in the civil wars between Communist and democratic forces inVietnam and Korea, expending much lives and money in an attempt to insure that Russia and the Communists would not gain more power than the USA. More recently, America invaded Iraq attempting to “spread democracy abroad.”

While America was fighting inIraq, problems with socio-economic divisions remained within, just like the gap between the rich and the poor that widened as Rome was fighting in Carthage. A movement emerged like the one the Gracchus brothers attempted to start called Occupy Wall Street in September 2011. Motley groups of people protesting financial inequality gathered in Zucotti Park in the financial district of Manhattan. The movement grew until it was suppressed by Mayor Bloomberg in November, same as the Gracchus brothers being murdered by the Roman government.

The chaos that broke out after 9/11,America’s invasion ofIraqandAfghanistan, and the recession left the door open for a different kind of leader than George Bush. Obama became the modern-day Julius Caesar, promising hope and change and becoming the first black president. Despite his promises, Obama has met with much opposition, specifically from Republicans. This leaves the results of the next election hanging, possibly opening the door for an all-powerful leader such as Octavian ifAmericawill truly follow inRome’s footsteps, and later leading toAmericabeing forced to take desperate measures such as those taken by Diocletian in order to salvage some ofRome’s empire.

The same lack of patriotism and overall negative feelings about the future is present inRomeandAmerica. Perhaps radical terrorist groups are comparable toRome’s barbarians. Readily available TV programming serves to distract American citizens from the current harsh economic climate and insecurity, likeRome’s “bread and circuses.” The army was forced to continually lower its enlistment standards, allowing felons to serve in the military due to the low number of enlisters despite the problems this can cause. Looking at all the similarities, one can conclude that ifAmericadoes not change its ways or take steps to differ fromRome, our future may be as negative as theWestern Roman Empire’s.

He left me alone to sleep again. In only 4 days I went from headaches every other hour to almost none at all. By the end of the week I was restless and begged all nurses and doctors to let me walk around no matter how much they insisted I rest. I was finally let out and got a big and warm welcome from Seth and Reyna though I didn’t see Ryan anywhere. Reyna even gave me a nice woolen scarf, as hot as it already was in the savanna, but it’s the thought that counts. They left to take care of some business but said they would find me later to tell me something. I found Ryan with a sword near a stack to weapons and he seemed to be stabbing a practice dummy with it.

“What are you doing?”

“Hey! They let you out of the hospital! I’m trying to strengthen up my so-called weak noodle arms by learning sword play.”

“Really? You’re trying to teach yourself. Well first error: They sword you’re using is way to big. It makes your swings clumsy and tires you out quickly. Here, use this one.” I handed him a much smaller and lighter sword with a freshly sharpened edge. “Now hit the dummy.” He took one whack at it and I had to stop him once more.

“What now?”

“Your doing it all wrong, You’re gripping the sword way to tight. Loosen up a little. Swing it around and get a good feel of it. Also you’re holding the sword at the very edge. You have to choke it all the way up to the hilt for good control. When you hold it upright, all of the weight should be rested on your thumb and forefinger. Now with your stance, your knees are completely locked, bend them a little. Keep you right foot extended out in front though it is good to practice with left foot forward as well. Extend your arms downward but angle the sword upward so it would seem as if it was pointing at the enemies nose. This gives you good thrust. Now try.” He hit the dummy directly in the stomach and seemed proud of himself. I was about to tell him about the several mistakes he made in only a few seconds but was called over by Reyna.

“Found you! Is Ryan trying to learn sword play? His stance looks… uneven.”

“You should have seen it before. So whats up?”

“Well tonight we are holding a banquet in your honor! The food is being prepared and fire is built to light once yo arrive.”

“A banquet?” A banquet is a very big deal to Barbarians and was only held for heros or high held people in the Barbarian culture. But I was not wealthy or famous enough for a banquet to be held. That must mean I’m considered a hero. “Why is there a banquet for me? I didn’t do any heroic deeds worth celebrating.”

“You saved lives of nearly everyone in the tribe, you ended the war between us and the Savvies, and brought peace between us as well. Next thing you know, we’re gonna be allies! So will you be our guest of honor?”

“I guess.”

“We’re not forcing you. But I think you deserve it.”

“Thank you. Is everyone in the tribe going?”

“Yes. And you are allowed to brig Ryan. He will be honored as well.” Ryan is gonna have the biggest ego once he finds out that he’s the first Savvy in history to have a banquet held for him. “Speaking of Ryan, are you two together?” Why is everyone interested in my personal life?!

“No. He’s not.” I said a little to quickly.

“Oh ok because he’s talking to Maria right now.”

I turned as saw the girl I met at the stream that one time I to a bath. She was the one calling me weird. And right now she was batting her stupid little eyes at Ryan. I turned away.

“Don’t go over there Claire.” I muttered to myself. “You turned him down right? So what if he talks to her! I don’t care. Don’t walk over there!”

But my legs had a whole different idea in mind. I put on my biggest smile and stood next to Ryan giving Maria an evil look. She gave me and exasperated look, rolled her eyes and continued to flirt with Ryan.

“I could give you a few pointers if you’d like.” she said looking at the sword still handing loose in his hand.

“Nah. Claire already helped me.”

“Are you sure she told you the right information? I mean, she isn’t even a true Barbarian. Look at her hair!” Do you know how hard it was for me to not rip her hair out? I was about to say something when Ryan had a serious outburst.

“What?! You judge her on her hair? There are a lot of people with blond hair.”

“Not Barbarians.” she was quickly losing interest in Ryan

“SO? What does that have to do with her being a Barbarian. She is the strongest of this camp and if you don’t know that then you should crawl out from under that rock you been living under.” I saw her punch before she even did it. Lucky I did or Ryan would be passed out on the ground. I shot my hand out in front of Ryan and blocked Maria’s punch, then twisted her arm around her back and pinned her to the ground.

“If you wanna get in fight, I’m your girl. Other wise, stay away.” I whispered in her ear before letting her get up, scowl at me, then walk away with the shreds of dignity she still had.

“I remember when you did that to me in the forest. Ah memories” I rolled my eyes and I spent the rest of the afternoon perfecting Ryan’s sloppy sword play.

During that time, I told him about the banquet but didn’t really mention how he is the first Savvy to have one. He’s full of hot air already thinking that he is an expert with the sword. Finally Ryan put the sword down and we left for the banquet

Chapter Eight

“Detroit…..are you sure this will work?” Roux asked as he settled down to go to sleep for the night. Detroit was stood in the doorway, staring blankly into space and biting her knuckle. She nodded slowly.

“It will….go to sleep. We’ve got a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Wake up at 6am, refreshed and ready to go…Damn, are you going to need that energy”

Sleep refused to come to Detroit until the early hours of the morning. She was up all night, sat at the window, staring out, across the sea, staring at the lights on in the institute.

Zak raised his head to glare up at this new intruder. It was a young man, dressed in a formal blue suit, his eyes covered by reflective shades.

“Who…are you? And what do you want with me?!” he hissed. The young man chuckled and knelt down so he was on Zak’s level.

“I’m Dr. Xavier. And you’re 35, the dangerous Zak that everybody’s so afraid of…?”

“Damn you…let me out of here!”

“You don’t scare me, 35. And the more you resist, the more painful it’ll be. Now, me and my colleagues know that there are two main witnesses who you grew up with during your childhood…we need those witnesses”

“I don’t know ANY witnesses. I’m alone. And why, why do you need witnesses. You’ve got me, now, haven’t you?”

“Well, we can’t have those two running around in public, especially the girl..”

“Detroit…?”

Ah! Dr. Xavier had Zak right where he wanted him. He couldn’t back-track now. Just the boy’s name would be needed.

“So, you do know these two…?”

“I’m not giving them up to you. Never, ever. Do what you want with me. I won’t speak”

Zak looked Dr. Xavier firmly in the eye…or, at his own reflection, rather.

“Fine. Let’s continue this game…and see if we can change your mind…”

“Keenan, take 35 to the Shock Room. Don’t do anything until I meet you there too…”

Zak stumbled along through the white corridors. He heard screams, shouts, and people hurling themselves against doors in futile attempts to escape.

The Fugitive

An old woman with a red coat stared in amazement as a figure hurtled past her from the sky and landed on the sidewalk He landed without a single sound his black face mask gleaming as he ran off into the night. The old woman suddenly whipped off her face mask and threw it into the bushes. She reached into her purse, took out a cell phone, and started talking. “I found him.”

“Sir here are our police records,” a assistant said as he handed a sheet of papers to the commander and chief. “Thanks Henry,” he replied skimming over the sheets. His eyes a blur as they went from one side of the paper to the other. “There I found it,” The commander and chief exclaimed happily. “He lived in…… Tennessee” “Men lets get this thief.”

The dark figure hurtled himself behind a building as he heard police sirens approach. Then like a shadow he flirted to the next building. What he didn’t know that they were waiting.

“Sir I see him through my sights,” a gunman said as he peered hard at the dark figure blending in to the dark night. “Ready until he enters the building, men,” he spoke talking into his radio. The dark figure sneaked into the building calling out softly,” Mother you here.” All he got of an answer was guns shooting.

My sister is a

fourteen-year old

who’s lots

of fun.

She always likes

to share her

political views

with everyone.

Sometimes she’s bossy,

and she can be mean.

She’s tall

and lean.

Sometimes we fight,

sometimes we bicker.

She is one of

the lights in my life

that never flicker.