HISTORY LESSONS

by David Nuttle

If we fail to learn from history, we will probably repeat its failures. A recent poll indicates 38 percent of American youth now favor communism over democracy, Yet, as I have noted before, all communist governments were total failures creating a) Economic collapse; b) loss of basic freedoms causing suffering; c) Shortages and inflation; d) State planning disasters, and e) Democide (mass murder of opposition by communist governments). The communist goal of equality for all was nearly achieved by Pol Pot, of Cambodia, who attempted to kill every citizen of Cambodia except for farmers with no formal education.

Rome existed from 753 BC to 476 AD & almost failed several times from inflation, revolts,

plagues, persecutions, poor leadership, decay and corruption, conflicted allegiances, trade deficits, losses to barbarians and vandals, excessive gaming, decline of military capabilities, sacking of Rome in 410 AD by a Goth army, and led pipes used to deliver drinking water causing health issues. The Roman Legions of military started suffering losses to Germanic tribes and the German tribal chief, Odoacer, conquered Rome in 476 AD. N. B. The strength of the Roman Empire, over many years, was achieved by the integration and rapid cultural assimilation of the many peoples conquered as the Empire was expanded.

The Roman Empire was divided in 395 AD by Emperor Theodosuis who split the West & East between his two sons, Arcadius & Honorius. The Western Empire was Latin and mostly Catholic at the time of this division. The Eastern Empire was Greek and Orthodox at this time, and it did not have most of the above-named problems of Rome (the Western Empire). Said Eastern section became known as the Byzantine Empire and remained viable for almost another 1,000 years.

From the fall of Rome, we learn that national decline may have many causes and can take considerable time before total failure occurs. In the U. S. we are witnessing multiple causes of decline to include racial & political conflict, political gridlock, extensive social chaos, and a decline in national fitness as well as vandals such as large numbers of illegal migrants, trade imbalances, and numerous foreign adversaries as well as extensive harmful corruption. It is possible that the U. S. has entered a period of gradual decline.

To improve chances for national survival, it is best to learn well from history!!!!!!