Staff Reports
A popular narrative emerges when examining the struggles of great nations, particularly one claiming the title of the world’s sole superpower: The political class engaging in self-enrichment rather than serving its citizens. Enter the unlikely hero, a reformer with a proven track record outside the beltway, capturing the hearts of the disillusioned public and securing the top spot against all odds. Yet, just when hope appears, the entrenched corruptions retaliate, fighting tooth and nail to preserve their power and control.
One can draw a parallel to the ancient Roman tale of Publius Helvius Pertinax, who briefly held the empire’s reins in early 193 AD. Distinguished in fields beyond governance, Pertinax sought to rescue the sputtering Roman ship from the jagged rocks of corruption—a task that was nothing short of Herculean. Historical accounts suggest he was a man of integrity and sound leadership, attempting during his short rule to instill a sense of competence and honesty into a beleaguered administration.
The persistent nature of corruption comes to the forefront with tales of soldiers and guards used to receiving under-the-table bribes. Similarly, Pertinax’s reign was riddled with the echoes of excess celebrated during Commodus’s time. His reformative spirit was met with disdain from those who preferred to wallow in corruption than embrace reform. Attempting to rein in the financial extravagance, his push for austerity and responsible government spending drew ire from those whose pockets were filled from the spoils of prior mismanagement.
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Naturally, this reshuffling did not sit well with the Praetorian Guard, who had grown both powerful and complacent. With their newfound liberties threatened, they were far less inclined to play nice, and their disdain for disciplined governance boiled beneath the surface. As Pertinax endeavored to reshape both military and financial landscapes, he faced an insurmountable wave of resentment from those he aimed to reform.
Worse still, the blowback came not only from the military but also from elite circles cripplingly aware that their fortunes were at risk. Wealthy figures within the Roman Senate were relentless in their plots against Pertinax, viewing his fiscal reforms as a full-frontal assault on their lavish lifestyles. Their collective fury foreshadowed a vendetta that would lead the reforms to a decidedly tragic end—Pertinax was assassinated in a fit of political chaos after merely three months of governance.
In pondering the future of the American government and the figurehead striving for change—Donald Trump—the scenario paints a vivid yet cautionary reminder of history. While the stakes are high and the opposition is fierce, it remains evident that those who’ve thrived amidst corruption will resist change with every ounce of their power. Despite the obstacles, Trump’s efforts to clean up Washington have officially commenced, with all eyes on whether he will avoid the fate of Pertinax and succeed where others have faltered.
With a chaotic political landscape that rivals even the wildest stories from ancient Rome, Americans brace themselves for what comes next. In times when eradicating corruption is the ultimate goal, one can only hope for a leader who has the tenacity to challenge the status quo and reclaim their power series from gargantuan political enemies.
