In the nineteenth century, Great Britain (having triumphed in the Napoleonic
Wars [1815] — which could be considered the FIRST World War) was the world's only
superpower and London was the world's most important city. (It is interesting
to note that at the end of World War I [1918], the Kaiser, who needed a place to live,
moved to England.) Great Britain's triumph then was the beginning of a century of
British decline. Great Britain would be superseded in importance in the twentieth
century by her most successful child, the United States of America. (It is interesting
to note that at the end of the Cold War [1991], Mihail Gorbacov, who needed a place to
live, moved to San Francisco.) And what happened to Napoleon? The Allies sent Napoleon
to the poky — twice. Today, London is still important, but it's not the only one.

A Roman Triumph paraded the defeated ruler in chains through the streets of
Rome. Then at his final destination the defeated ruler was ritually strangled by
the Roman Emperor. Things are not the same today. They are better.

Morley

P.S.:

• 20 March 2003

Never would I have believed what we are seeing this morning in Iraq. How could this
happen in this day and age? The U.S. Attack on Iraq proves that we have not progressed
from Roman times. When will the President become the "Emperor"? A sad day for

civilization, this. I hope none of our heroic storm troopers gets a hangnail. Bomb,

bomb! Kill, kill!

• 14 December 2003

This morning I awoke to the news media trumpeting that Saddam has been captured. So?

Does this make the world safe for democracy? Will Emperor Bush parade him through the

streets of Washington and then have one of his Imperial Guards ritually strangle their

victim?