Holy Roman Empire, Batman!

 

From a story written by Kathy Barks Hoffman, Associated Press Writer, concerning the stage from which Senator Obama will deliver his acceptance speech this evening:

"This Roman-like facade, a facade with Roman columns, is a perfect metaphor or icon for the point that it's an interesting production, but behind it there's not much there," Minnesota Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty told ABC.

Democrats have responded by noting that President Bush's acceptance speech in 2004 also took place on an elaborate stage that included similar columns.

 

Hmm, Rome...Roman Empire....

 

Would that be the Roman Empire that once stretched from Britain to Germany, North Africa to the Persian Gulf? The most extensive Western civilization of ancient times?

 

The Roman Empire whose Army built roads that still exist today, and built an extensive aqueduct system? Who gave us the modern calendar, the growth of the institution of Christianity, and classical architecture?

 

The Empire whose Latin language evolved into the Romance languages, such as Italian, French, Spanish, etc.?

 

The Roman Empire whose form of government was so admired by those who wrote the Constitution that they had it in mind when they created the Presidency? Who developed an elaborate system of Public Administration, including extensive civil service and formalized tax collection?

 

The Empire whose influence continues in the Western world in things such as technology, the arts, language, religion, architecture, law, the military, and government, and from whom we acquired our ways of living, ruling, and governing?

 

THAT Roman Empire?

 

You're right, Governor Pawlenty. Not much there. What a bunch of slackers.

Tags: Roman Empire, Tim Pawlenty