Decline of the Republic....from Rico

I have often noted, and commented upon, the similarities of the rise and decline of Rome to the current American rise and decline...usually to reflect upon the debasement of their respective currencies.
- This time I'd like to look at it differently (call it "change").

The debasement of a currency is merely the reflection, the mirroring, the symptom of the decline of a Republic into a Socialist Democracy.
- "...a Republic, if you can keep it." B. Franklin

Look at these two charts in THIS perspective, then tell me "but, it's 'different' this time."
- Yeah. Right. Sure it is.

I think instead of watching State Media News (The Ministry of Truth) I will re-view that classic "I, Claudius" and marvel at how Brian Blessed and cast so uncannily forecast and captured the essence of what we are seeing today....right down to mad Caligula!
- Some things never do seem to change.