Casandra Calling, from 1952

All my friends know that I'm a flirt. I flirt with everyone. I even flirt with Libertarians. Some of them call themselves "paleo-conservatives" to distinguish themselves from "neo-conservatives." As far as I can tell, they are usually for hard currency (that is, backed by gold), completely unfettered markets (yikes!), the smallest government possible--especially federal. On this last point, they are nearly always strict non-interventionists, and this is where I find myself in sympathy with them, as I believe many Liberals are.

I just came across a book called The People's Pottage by an old-fashioned conservative named Garet Garrett. It includes an article, dated 1952, called Rise of Empire. It is stunning in its vision and wonderfully written. It shows that what we have seen in the Bush/Cheney Administration is the logical working out of a process that has been underway for well over 50 years.

Garrett's description of how a Republic becomes an Empire is fascinating and truly reflects our nation's current status. Below is his summary of the characteristics of Empire:

As we have set them down so far, the things that signify Empire are these, namely:

(1) Rise of the executive principle of government to a position of dominant power,

(2) Accommodation of domestic policy to foreign policy,

(3) Ascendancy of the military mind,

(4) A system of satellite nations for a purpose called collective security, and,

(5) An emotional complex of vaunting and fear.

There is yet another sign that defines itself gradually. When it is clearly defined it may be already too late to do anything about it. That is to say, a time comes when Empire finds itself— A prisoner of history.

The history of a Republic is its own history. Its past does not contain its future, like a seed. A Republic may change its course, or reverse it, and that will be its own business. But the history of Empire is world history and belongs to many people.

A Republic is not obliged to act upon the world, either to change or instruct it. Empire, on the other hand, must put forth its power.

What is it that now obliges the American people to act upon the world? As you ask that question the fear theme plays itself down and the one that takes its place is magnifical. It is not only our security we are thinking of—our security in a frame of collective security. Beyond that lies a greater thought.

It is our turn. Our turn to do what? Our turn to assume the responsibilities or moral leadership in the world. Our turn to maintain a balance of power against the forces of evil everywhere…

You may purchase a copy of The People's Pottage from Amazon.com. You can also find PDF versions of it on the Web.