The Roman Republic died when the men they elected to head the government in times of peril used the powers they were given to restore order instead to simply maintain their own positions. It began with Sulla and then moved on through the First Triumvirate (Julius Caesar, Pompey, Crassus), Caesar alone, the Second Triumvirate (Antony, Octavian, Lepidus) and finally Octavian alone as Caesar Augustus.
Is our own republic standing on the same precipice? Four years ago, did our electorate put a Sulla in charge, without quite realizing it? And now, having recognized the danger he poses, is their attempt to end his rule destined to fail because the very power they granted (or he seized with help from the Senate) protects him?
I hope not.
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