It's 3 A.M.

I've been reading all about the post-classical empires in World Civ. I online (as an elective...hardcore!) and it's amazing what we can learn from the people who lived before us.

In the pre-modern times, it was pretty commonplace for government to experience a complete overhaul every 200-1000 years. Every 200-1000 years. Common.

I'm not that guy who will make the "America is doomed, just look at the INSERT CRISIS" argument. But here's the thing: our government is a hot-bed of drama, corruption, and cheaters. For the first time in a long time, American citizens can't be sure if everything is really going to be ok. It's a scary, unsure time.

My point here, though, is that we aren't at a place that civilizations have never been. The Roman empire, the Byzantine empire, the Chinese empires are crumbled because of on-going skirmishes (not necessarily all-out wars) and internal pressure because of taxes, internal projects, and power grabbers. And we're talking 500 C.E.

In the manner of an old history teacher, I ask, "so what does that mean, people?" What that means, I think, is this: we aren't as screwed as it seems we are. At least not government wise. As long as vast empires have existed, turnover has existed. After a crash/revolution the great empires almost always came back. Even if they didn't, some new up-and-comer would come along and start the next best thing.

Am I inferring that America is going to crash? I don't know. I hope we don't find out on August 2. But if we do go ka-put, we'll come back. History says we will - barring an invasion by one of our many international enemies.