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Down The Middle - Feb 23, 2006 - Printable Version
- Beware the Ides of March
by Down The Middle
In ancient Rome, an “ides” was simply another calendar term, noting a monthly lunar event…in this case, a new full moon. The assassination of Julius Caesar on March 15, 44 B.C. forever embedded the “ides of March” in mankind’s psyche as a time of foreboding tragedy or abrupt change in government or society
By the time of Julius Caesar, Rome had long since established a republican government, led by two consuls joined in powers with Preators below them, who served essentially for handling judicial matters. The Senate was formed from the body of citizens and proposed legislation, approved only by vote from a general assembly of the people. The special office of Dictator was established, only as a temporary position for times of extreme civil unrest.
Most Romans shared a disdain for Kings but Caesar had no problem excepting the office of “Dictator for life” in February of 44 B.C., although he had previously and very publicly turned away offers of monarchy (political showboating). Caesar was already the first living Roman to appear on coinage (that honor having been reserved for deities) and many historians believe he was actually attempting to organize a cult in his honor, seeking such deification.
If the Republic was to be saved, the “liberators”, as they like to call themselves had little time to waste. Caesar was due to leave for a military campaign in Parthia (the region around modern day Iraq), on the 18th.
Marcus Brutus, a mastermind of the plot certainly had reason to get rid of Caesar. His mother, Servilia was known to be one of Caesar’s lovers (Many, in fact believe that Brutus was actually Caesar’s son) and his family had a long history of rejecting authoritarian power and killing tyrants [His ancestor, Junius Brutus was credited with toppling Tarquin Superbus, the last king of Rome). His uncle Cato, who had become a father figure to Brutus had killed himself in 46 B.C., after losing a battle against Caesar…and although, Brutus had also fought and lost against Caesar in the recent civil war, Caesar had spared his life and elevated him to Preator.
In Shakespeare's play “Julius Caesar”, an unknown soothsayer tells Caesar, who is already on his way to the Senate (and his death), "Beware the ides of March." Caesar replies, "He is a dreamer; let us leave him. Pass."
Later that day of March 15, 44 B.C., the liberators stabbed Caesar to death at the foot of Pompey's statue, in the temple of Venus, where the Roman Senate was assembling, that day.
Having recently noticed a blog promoting a million man march on Washington, suggesting July 4th as a worthy, symbolic date to direct attention to what they see as a corrupt administration with a tyrannical leader. A member of the forum suggested March 27th, the eve of what is now rumored to be the start-up date for the bombing of Iran and another member suggested they contact a certain “friendly” Senator, to see if he could help.
Of course, I fully approve of peaceful demonstration and whole-heartedly consider our right of assembly as being absolutely necessary to maintain a government “for and by the people”, I was a little proud of these “regular” citizens (who were probably not of my particular, political persuasion) but it occurred to me that their timing was a little off. After the first bombs drop, the eyes of the country…and indeed, the eyes of the world will be on the war.
The time to march is NOW!!! This may well be your last chance to save the Republic from this President, who has exceeded his authority unto dictatorial rule by usurping our beloved Constitution, belligerently labeling it as nothing more than a “damn piece of paper”.
Now, don’t give me that crap about your job! If this Administration stays in office three more years, your job will be in India and our economy will be in the toilet.
The bosses won’t give you a couple of days off? No Problem. I have it on good authority that another round of flu is predicted for the month of March and half the country will be calling in very, very sick.
No money? Don’t tell me you haven’t seen Woodstock. With little more than blue jeans and bandanas, half a million kids came from all over the country…just because they wanted to.
No leader? So, what? You are the leader! But you won’t be marching alone. You’ll be marching hand in hand with Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy.....and I think I see John Lennon, over there.
Come to Washington, you liberals, you libertarians, you conservatives! Come to Washington, you rockers, you rappers, you hip-hoppers! Come to Washington, you workers, you housewives, you three-piece suits!
Paint your wagons, paint your t-shirts, paint your picket signs! Shout your slogans, chant your themes, sing your songs! Raise your voice, raise your banner, raise your fist!
Come to Washington, you black man, you white man, you red man and yellow! Come to Washington, you Catholic, you Protestant, you Muslim and Jew! Come to Washington, you citizen, you voter, you patriot!
Bring your friends, bring your brethren, bring your kin! Bring your sons, bring you daughters, bring your mothers, brothers and sisters!
You tell me you want to save the Republic…so, why do you still sit there, hiding in the shadows? Are you afraid to stand up for this country, you claim to love? Had our forefathers been such cowards, you would have never known the taste of freedom that still lingers on your palette.
The “ides of March” is coming. Does it foretell of another dictator’s fall from power…or the doom he brings upon the “liberators”. That will be up to you.
The full moon begins March 14th.
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