The Decline and Fall of Empires

I am a Latin lover.  No, not THAT kind!  Rather, I am a lover of the Latin language.  Not only that, but I thoroughly enjoy reading about the history of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.  It's even interesting and enjoyable to read about its decline.  However, its only "enjoyable" because I'm not living in it.  It's another matter altogether to be part of a country, nation, or empire during dark or ominous times.  As I've often said before though, I'm a long-term optimist - so I don't get discouraged.

Have you ever thought of some parallels between the current United States Empire and the declining ancient Roman Empire?  Here are some:

• Widespread immorality
• Destruction of the family
• Huge numbers of arbitrary man’s laws
• Centralization of all power in a central government in the hand of a few
• Creation of a welfare state
• Excessive taxation 
• Loss of control of their borders; most work done by foreigner
• Overstretched military that could not maintain worldwide order

I know I could have come up with two more to make an even ten instead of an awkward eight, but I trust you'll forgive me.  Still, consider these parallels.  Also consider how we can change course.  I am convinced it starts at the bottom (individual) rather than the top (government leader/"savior") who can fix us.