|
|
"A comprehensive, collaborative elections resource."
|
The Monthly Interview: Gore Vidal
|
|---|
| Parent(s) |
Candidate
|
| Contributor | Craverguy |
| Last Edited | Craverguy Sep 26, 2009 12:08am |
| Logged |
1
[Older]
|
| Category | Interview |
| Author | Markos Kounalakis and Peter Laufer |
| News Date | UTC0:0 |
| Description | In his six-plus decades as a novelist, essayist, and dramatist, writing from homes in Italy and the United States, Gore Vidal has returned again and again to the subject of American political history and its uncomfortable similarities to imperial Rome. The Washington Monthly's Peter Laufer and Markos Kounalakis recently caught up with the celebrated author, and discussed what lessons America today might learn from Rome, ancient and modern.
WM: What historical comparisons come to mind to shed light on the state of modern American democracy, current events, and our attitudes toward power? Where is the United States as a nation today?
GV: Well, after the good Emperor Tiberius climbed Palatine Hill and was hailed as Caesar, the Roman Senate proposed giving him a blanket advance endorsement of any legislation or commands he might later propose. And Tiberius sent back a note to the Senate that said: "This is insane. What do you think you're doing? Suppose that one day the emperor has gone mad? Or, suppose the emperor is not really there—and someone has taken his place?" Tiberius thought the worst possible scenario for Rome would be if the entire Senate agreed, in advance, to any policies that might come from the emperor. He vetoed that proposal; he just tore up the message.
WM: How did the Roman Senate react?
GV: The Senate at first sent it right back to him. And Tiberius just groaned. When he was asked, "Have you no message for the Senate?" his response was: "Yes, I do. Tell them how eager they are to be slaves." My point is, today in the United States, there's a lot of president worship. We love authority figures. |
| Share |
|
|
2¢
|
|
| Article | Read Full Article |
|
| Date |
Category |
Headline |
Article |
Contributor |
|
|
