Tiberius Back At Capri. . .

(Tiberius Back At Capri. . .)

The one quality of Rome's transition from Republic to Empire was the tendency for individuals, military and political, to gain power. Rome's expansion from Italy occurred in stages. After the defeat of Carthage in three Punic Wars, Rome absorbed her territories in Africa and Hispania (Spain), To the east were the successor Hellenistic kingdoms, remnants of the empire of Alexander the Great, that put Rome in possession of Greece, Anatolia. the Levant, and even Egypt. Any look at a map of the Mediterranean and one can see what the Roman domain encompassed, As a practical matter, what was the Roman Empire could not be governed by popular consent. The Senate could be kept in office, consuls would be elected, but what was required, what Julius Caesar aspired to before his assassination, was Dictator for Life. Caesar's adopted son, Octavian, after his triumph over Mark Antony and Cleopatra, adopted the title imperator and the name, Augustus. Augustus became the first Emperor of Rome. Tiberius, Augustus' heir, was named the Empire's second sovereign.


The Roman imperial court was one of intrigue and paranoia. Even the Emperor himself was not immune from any number of plots from any number of people. So, Emperor Tiberius went into self-imposed exile on the island of Capri. Something like President Biden ? It seems the Commander in Chief is satisfied to just "mail it in." Of course, the President's demeanor, or a lack thereof is taking place in wake of the Republican debate this evening.


And, while Emperor Tiberius went to Capri, President Biden made an appearance at Maui. He might have fallen asleep. Then he left. Retuning to the GOP gabfest this evening, the slate of candidates will be sure to mention the President's frailties. One has to say that Biden's state will become an election issue. And that evolving effect could alter the President's chances for next year against any Republican, not just Trump.


It has been the recurring theme of these pages that Donald Trump will accomplish two things; he will be the GOP nominee and have President Biden, though damaged, would still win. However, that proposition has become less certain. Tiberius was on Capri. It now seems that Mr. Biden cannot make the same placement. So, could a basket case still beat Trump ?

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