Oil prices got you down?
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil prices got you down?
> Ruel you are making some sense here. If you are making the point that
> both political parties are at fault in getting us to where we are, I
> would agree. But here are a couple of comments back to you..
I don't wholly agree with either side. I think the Republicans are whoring
the labor in the country out. They're certainly not doing anything to
curtail the wholesale shipment of jobs out of this country, or the illegal
immigrants that are being hired to do all kinds of work, particularly good
paying construction jobs. However, Clinton signed NAFTA so he's to blame as
well.
> What I detest is being considered a "bleeding heart liberal" just
> because I work at a university. Being employed at a university is due
> to a choice of professions and not a political philosophy.
Because you work at a university, doesn't make you a bleeding heart liberal.
In the business college at my old university, the University of Cincinnati,
most professors were staunch conservatives.
> Just for your information, what Jane Fonda did was absolutely stupid.
> Whether or not she was a traitor, well I will leave that one for the
> legal profession to determine. In no way was she a hero.
It was more than just stupid. Several servicemen in captivity died as a
result of her actions. The prison guards beat them to death. Anyway, it's a
side issue not really germaine to this conversation.
> In a previous post the "greatest generation" was mentioned.
> Fortunately for them, they have a social security plan to help them in
> their old age. So the "greatest generation" has certainly benefited
> from that liberal cause and they deserve it.
>
> You speak of "liberalism and softness", need you be reminded that FDR,
> a liberal president, got us into the second world war.
Liberalism in the 1930's and 1940's is a far cry from the liberalism today.
Today, they're off the hook trying to save breeds of weeds that are dying
off in desert areas, and trying to model our government after more
socialistic governments like Canada and others in Europe. There's a reason
we're far better off than they are... Let's not.
> So I don't think your observation about liberalism and softness holds
> up to reality.
>
>>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the powerhouse
that it was under Julius Caesar.
> I don't understand the reasoning that going around the world and
> kicking butt and bullying nations is making this country strong.
Now, don't get me wrong, as people die as a result of these actions. Take
for a moment and remove yourself from the human element of the process of
war and see things on a much higher level. A boxer that hasn't fought in a
few years vs. a boxer that has continually kept his skills sharpened by
staying active and fighting regularly: Who do you think will win? If the
military goes for long period of inactivity in war time, there won't be
anyone running the military that has had actual battle experience. This is
not only bad, but very bad. You can practice all you want with drills, but
until those techniques have seen war and the quirks ironed out, they're only
limited in usefulness. It's like a boxer only shadow boxing his entire
career, only to finally fight someone who hits back. This is what, I
believe, happened to Russia during the Afghanistan war. Not only had they
not actually fought a war since WWII, they weren't prepared at all for
unconventional warfare. The got their ***** handed to them.
I'm not trying to make light of the situation that people die during war and
that's a horrible thing. A lot of money is spent in the process, as well.
And, it's not like we're out seeking out war for the sake of sharpening our
skills. Greed and disrespect from leaders of rogue nations that have
ambition to topple the one who sits at the top of the mountain gives us
these opportunities. It is our activity in war time that has our troops and
equipment battle tested and ready for the next country that tries to screw
with us.
This is why I pointed out the China is only assumed to be powerful. I highly
doubt that with their very limited experience in modern warfare that they
would do well against us. That's not to say they won't win their battles.
However, they certainly can't compete with our level of training and
sophistication.
BTW, who have we bullied? All those that have seen our might has been as a
result of THEIR actions. We never sought out our targets.
> both political parties are at fault in getting us to where we are, I
> would agree. But here are a couple of comments back to you..
I don't wholly agree with either side. I think the Republicans are whoring
the labor in the country out. They're certainly not doing anything to
curtail the wholesale shipment of jobs out of this country, or the illegal
immigrants that are being hired to do all kinds of work, particularly good
paying construction jobs. However, Clinton signed NAFTA so he's to blame as
well.
> What I detest is being considered a "bleeding heart liberal" just
> because I work at a university. Being employed at a university is due
> to a choice of professions and not a political philosophy.
Because you work at a university, doesn't make you a bleeding heart liberal.
In the business college at my old university, the University of Cincinnati,
most professors were staunch conservatives.
> Just for your information, what Jane Fonda did was absolutely stupid.
> Whether or not she was a traitor, well I will leave that one for the
> legal profession to determine. In no way was she a hero.
It was more than just stupid. Several servicemen in captivity died as a
result of her actions. The prison guards beat them to death. Anyway, it's a
side issue not really germaine to this conversation.
> In a previous post the "greatest generation" was mentioned.
> Fortunately for them, they have a social security plan to help them in
> their old age. So the "greatest generation" has certainly benefited
> from that liberal cause and they deserve it.
>
> You speak of "liberalism and softness", need you be reminded that FDR,
> a liberal president, got us into the second world war.
Liberalism in the 1930's and 1940's is a far cry from the liberalism today.
Today, they're off the hook trying to save breeds of weeds that are dying
off in desert areas, and trying to model our government after more
socialistic governments like Canada and others in Europe. There's a reason
we're far better off than they are... Let's not.
> So I don't think your observation about liberalism and softness holds
> up to reality.
>
>>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the powerhouse
that it was under Julius Caesar.
> I don't understand the reasoning that going around the world and
> kicking butt and bullying nations is making this country strong.
Now, don't get me wrong, as people die as a result of these actions. Take
for a moment and remove yourself from the human element of the process of
war and see things on a much higher level. A boxer that hasn't fought in a
few years vs. a boxer that has continually kept his skills sharpened by
staying active and fighting regularly: Who do you think will win? If the
military goes for long period of inactivity in war time, there won't be
anyone running the military that has had actual battle experience. This is
not only bad, but very bad. You can practice all you want with drills, but
until those techniques have seen war and the quirks ironed out, they're only
limited in usefulness. It's like a boxer only shadow boxing his entire
career, only to finally fight someone who hits back. This is what, I
believe, happened to Russia during the Afghanistan war. Not only had they
not actually fought a war since WWII, they weren't prepared at all for
unconventional warfare. The got their ***** handed to them.
I'm not trying to make light of the situation that people die during war and
that's a horrible thing. A lot of money is spent in the process, as well.
And, it's not like we're out seeking out war for the sake of sharpening our
skills. Greed and disrespect from leaders of rogue nations that have
ambition to topple the one who sits at the top of the mountain gives us
these opportunities. It is our activity in war time that has our troops and
equipment battle tested and ready for the next country that tries to screw
with us.
This is why I pointed out the China is only assumed to be powerful. I highly
doubt that with their very limited experience in modern warfare that they
would do well against us. That's not to say they won't win their battles.
However, they certainly can't compete with our level of training and
sophistication.
BTW, who have we bullied? All those that have seen our might has been as a
result of THEIR actions. We never sought out our targets.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil prices got you down?
"The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate
greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time or
accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric yielded
to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
(London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500 years
? Every dog/wolf has their day !
Dave Milne, Scotland
'91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
"Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
>
> They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
powerhouse
> that it was under Julius Caesar.
greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time or
accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric yielded
to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
(London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500 years
? Every dog/wolf has their day !
Dave Milne, Scotland
'91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
"Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
>
> They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
powerhouse
> that it was under Julius Caesar.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil prices got you down?
"The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate
greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time or
accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric yielded
to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
(London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500 years
? Every dog/wolf has their day !
Dave Milne, Scotland
'91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
"Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
>
> They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
powerhouse
> that it was under Julius Caesar.
greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time or
accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric yielded
to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
(London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500 years
? Every dog/wolf has their day !
Dave Milne, Scotland
'91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
"Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
>
> They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
powerhouse
> that it was under Julius Caesar.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil prices got you down?
"The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate
greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time or
accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric yielded
to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
(London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500 years
? Every dog/wolf has their day !
Dave Milne, Scotland
'91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
"Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
>
> They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
powerhouse
> that it was under Julius Caesar.
greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time or
accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric yielded
to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
(London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500 years
? Every dog/wolf has their day !
Dave Milne, Scotland
'91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
"Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
>
> They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
powerhouse
> that it was under Julius Caesar.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil prices got you down?
"The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate
greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time or
accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric yielded
to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
(London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500 years
? Every dog/wolf has their day !
Dave Milne, Scotland
'91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
"Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
>
> They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
powerhouse
> that it was under Julius Caesar.
greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time or
accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric yielded
to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
(London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500 years
? Every dog/wolf has their day !
Dave Milne, Scotland
'91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
"Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
>
> They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
powerhouse
> that it was under Julius Caesar.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil prices got you down?
Dave,
The United States does not conquer other lands for the purposes of
territorial expansion or economic exploitation. We have reached the limits
of our influence on this planet, and any military or economic action we may
take is solely for the purposes of self-defense. Once other countries catch
up with us, we will be more than happy to take an equal role with them.
Honest. You can trust us, because of our Anglo-Saxon cultural heritage.
Earle
"Dave Milne" <jeep@_nospam_milne.info> wrote in message
news:lKHLe.88730$G8.30203@text.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> "The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate
> greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
> destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time
or
> accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric
yielded
> to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
> obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
> should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
> Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
> (London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
>
> In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
> at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500
years
> ? Every dog/wolf has their day !
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
> '91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
>
> "Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
> news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> > >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
> >
> > They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> > lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
> powerhouse
> > that it was under Julius Caesar.
>
>
The United States does not conquer other lands for the purposes of
territorial expansion or economic exploitation. We have reached the limits
of our influence on this planet, and any military or economic action we may
take is solely for the purposes of self-defense. Once other countries catch
up with us, we will be more than happy to take an equal role with them.
Honest. You can trust us, because of our Anglo-Saxon cultural heritage.
Earle
"Dave Milne" <jeep@_nospam_milne.info> wrote in message
news:lKHLe.88730$G8.30203@text.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> "The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate
> greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
> destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time
or
> accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric
yielded
> to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
> obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
> should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
> Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
> (London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
>
> In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
> at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500
years
> ? Every dog/wolf has their day !
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
> '91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
>
> "Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
> news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> > >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
> >
> > They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> > lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
> powerhouse
> > that it was under Julius Caesar.
>
>
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil prices got you down?
Dave,
The United States does not conquer other lands for the purposes of
territorial expansion or economic exploitation. We have reached the limits
of our influence on this planet, and any military or economic action we may
take is solely for the purposes of self-defense. Once other countries catch
up with us, we will be more than happy to take an equal role with them.
Honest. You can trust us, because of our Anglo-Saxon cultural heritage.
Earle
"Dave Milne" <jeep@_nospam_milne.info> wrote in message
news:lKHLe.88730$G8.30203@text.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> "The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate
> greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
> destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time
or
> accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric
yielded
> to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
> obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
> should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
> Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
> (London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
>
> In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
> at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500
years
> ? Every dog/wolf has their day !
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
> '91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
>
> "Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
> news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> > >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
> >
> > They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> > lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
> powerhouse
> > that it was under Julius Caesar.
>
>
The United States does not conquer other lands for the purposes of
territorial expansion or economic exploitation. We have reached the limits
of our influence on this planet, and any military or economic action we may
take is solely for the purposes of self-defense. Once other countries catch
up with us, we will be more than happy to take an equal role with them.
Honest. You can trust us, because of our Anglo-Saxon cultural heritage.
Earle
"Dave Milne" <jeep@_nospam_milne.info> wrote in message
news:lKHLe.88730$G8.30203@text.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> "The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate
> greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
> destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time
or
> accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric
yielded
> to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
> obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
> should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
> Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
> (London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
>
> In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
> at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500
years
> ? Every dog/wolf has their day !
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
> '91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
>
> "Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
> news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> > >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
> >
> > They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> > lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
> powerhouse
> > that it was under Julius Caesar.
>
>
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil prices got you down?
Dave,
The United States does not conquer other lands for the purposes of
territorial expansion or economic exploitation. We have reached the limits
of our influence on this planet, and any military or economic action we may
take is solely for the purposes of self-defense. Once other countries catch
up with us, we will be more than happy to take an equal role with them.
Honest. You can trust us, because of our Anglo-Saxon cultural heritage.
Earle
"Dave Milne" <jeep@_nospam_milne.info> wrote in message
news:lKHLe.88730$G8.30203@text.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> "The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate
> greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
> destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time
or
> accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric
yielded
> to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
> obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
> should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
> Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
> (London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
>
> In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
> at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500
years
> ? Every dog/wolf has their day !
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
> '91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
>
> "Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
> news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> > >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
> >
> > They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> > lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
> powerhouse
> > that it was under Julius Caesar.
>
>
The United States does not conquer other lands for the purposes of
territorial expansion or economic exploitation. We have reached the limits
of our influence on this planet, and any military or economic action we may
take is solely for the purposes of self-defense. Once other countries catch
up with us, we will be more than happy to take an equal role with them.
Honest. You can trust us, because of our Anglo-Saxon cultural heritage.
Earle
"Dave Milne" <jeep@_nospam_milne.info> wrote in message
news:lKHLe.88730$G8.30203@text.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> "The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate
> greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
> destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time
or
> accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric
yielded
> to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
> obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
> should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
> Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
> (London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
>
> In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
> at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500
years
> ? Every dog/wolf has their day !
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
> '91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
>
> "Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
> news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> > >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
> >
> > They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> > lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
> powerhouse
> > that it was under Julius Caesar.
>
>
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil prices got you down?
Dave,
The United States does not conquer other lands for the purposes of
territorial expansion or economic exploitation. We have reached the limits
of our influence on this planet, and any military or economic action we may
take is solely for the purposes of self-defense. Once other countries catch
up with us, we will be more than happy to take an equal role with them.
Honest. You can trust us, because of our Anglo-Saxon cultural heritage.
Earle
"Dave Milne" <jeep@_nospam_milne.info> wrote in message
news:lKHLe.88730$G8.30203@text.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> "The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate
> greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
> destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time
or
> accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric
yielded
> to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
> obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
> should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
> Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
> (London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
>
> In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
> at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500
years
> ? Every dog/wolf has their day !
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
> '91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
>
> "Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
> news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> > >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
> >
> > They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> > lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
> powerhouse
> > that it was under Julius Caesar.
>
>
The United States does not conquer other lands for the purposes of
territorial expansion or economic exploitation. We have reached the limits
of our influence on this planet, and any military or economic action we may
take is solely for the purposes of self-defense. Once other countries catch
up with us, we will be more than happy to take an equal role with them.
Honest. You can trust us, because of our Anglo-Saxon cultural heritage.
Earle
"Dave Milne" <jeep@_nospam_milne.info> wrote in message
news:lKHLe.88730$G8.30203@text.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> "The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate
> greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
> destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time
or
> accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric
yielded
> to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
> obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
> should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
> Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
> (London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
>
> In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the wolf
> at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500
years
> ? Every dog/wolf has their day !
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
> '91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
>
> "Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
> news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> > >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization is
> > > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
> >
> > They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat and
> > lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
> powerhouse
> > that it was under Julius Caesar.
>
>
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil prices got you down?
Its good having you back, Earle :-)
Dave Milne, Scotland
'91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
"Earle Horton" <nurse--NOSPAM--busters@msn.com> wrote in message
news:1124028636.19cf676c4b2f066bceb2f4547f60311a@t eranews...
> Dave,
>
> The United States does not conquer other lands for the purposes of
> territorial expansion or economic exploitation. We have reached the
limits
> of our influence on this planet, and any military or economic action we
may
> take is solely for the purposes of self-defense. Once other countries
catch
> up with us, we will be more than happy to take an equal role with them.
> Honest. You can trust us, because of our Anglo-Saxon cultural heritage.
>
> Earle
>
> "Dave Milne" <jeep@_nospam_milne.info> wrote in message
> news:lKHLe.88730$G8.30203@text.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> > "The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate
> > greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
> > destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time
> or
> > accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric
> yielded
> > to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
> > obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
> > should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
> > Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
> > (London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
> >
> > In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the
wolf
> > at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500
> years
> > ? Every dog/wolf has their day !
> >
> > Dave Milne, Scotland
> > '91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
> >
> > "Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
> > news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> > > >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization
is
> > > > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > > > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > > > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > > > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
> > >
> > > They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat
and
> > > lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
> > powerhouse
> > > that it was under Julius Caesar.
> >
> >
>
>
Dave Milne, Scotland
'91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
"Earle Horton" <nurse--NOSPAM--busters@msn.com> wrote in message
news:1124028636.19cf676c4b2f066bceb2f4547f60311a@t eranews...
> Dave,
>
> The United States does not conquer other lands for the purposes of
> territorial expansion or economic exploitation. We have reached the
limits
> of our influence on this planet, and any military or economic action we
may
> take is solely for the purposes of self-defense. Once other countries
catch
> up with us, we will be more than happy to take an equal role with them.
> Honest. You can trust us, because of our Anglo-Saxon cultural heritage.
>
> Earle
>
> "Dave Milne" <jeep@_nospam_milne.info> wrote in message
> news:lKHLe.88730$G8.30203@text.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> > "The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate
> > greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the cause of the
> > destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and, as soon as time
> or
> > accident and removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric
> yielded
> > to the pressure of its own weight. The story of the ruin is simple and
> > obvious: and instead of inquiring why the Roman Empire was destroyed we
> > should rather be surprised that it has subsisted for so long." [Gibbon,
> > Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 2nd ed., vol. 4, ed. by J. B. Bury
> > (London, 1909), pp. 173-174.]
> >
> > In other words, the wolf at the top of the hill is not as keen as the
wolf
> > at the bottom. Do you think America will be the top dog in another 500
> years
> > ? Every dog/wolf has their day !
> >
> > Dave Milne, Scotland
> > '91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ
> >
> > "Ruel Smith" <NoWay@NoWhere.com> wrote in message
> > news:7379e$42ff4460$453deea8$10145@FUSE.NET...
> > > >>From what I history I have read, the decline of many a civilization
is
> > > > really caused by the destruction of the middle class. That was
> > > > certainly true in the decline of the Roman Empire. They kicked a
> > > > whole lot of butt in the known world and it eventually drained their
> > > > treasury dry trying to defend their over stressed borders..
> > >
> > > They also developed a welfare system, started having orgies, got fat
and
> > > lazy... By the time Rome fell, it wasn't even close to being the
> > powerhouse
> > > that it was under Julius Caesar.
> >
> >
>
>
