Are we Rome?

The beginning of Chapter 3 asks the question: Are we Rome? I think this is a very relevant question in light of our current political climate and the presidential election's tone and tenor. When Barrack Obama was voted into office, I believe there was hope that we would enter a time of peace. Unfortunately, that has not happened. The United States continues to feel the need to be the gatekeeper of peace through out the world. I am upset by the political rhetoric that implies that there should be increased military expansion to combat enemies thousands of miles away. What exactly are we trying to accomplish?

I am afraid that our increased footprint will only encourage new enemies to emerge. I hope we are able to learn from the past and evolve in a way that encourages peace despite the differences of others. Unfortunately, as I read this text, my optimism must be checked by a decent amount of pessimism. So to answer the question, Are we Rome? I am afraid that the answer is a strong maybe.