After us, the Deluge

I find myself pessimistic for the Republic, whose finances make the Ancien Regime of Louis XV look like prudence itself.  The laws are widely touted but are sporadically enforced as both the rich and the poor both are prohibited from sleeping on the park bench.

Increasingly I fear that we shall have a choice to make: take the path of Brutus, or the path of Horace (who fought against Octavius but then spent a life sucking up to Augustus).

Happy Fourth, everyone.