Rome at the time of Caesar bring about thoughts of sexual politics, true violence, sleaze, corruption and passion for beliefs; all seemed controlled by the men and women on top of the social food chain. Today in the UK, the same passion is active but hidden behind laws that affirm people power, loyalty to political parties and a health and safety culture which is eliminating any appearance of passion in the way the country is run.
Clegg and Cameron joined forces to oust an elderly Labour party, with ministers loyal to Blair or Brown out of the picture, Clegg's caricaturisation as a lamb amongst wolves shifted to second in command when a weaker Milliband took over Labour. Even Peter Mandelson was booted out and now remains retired alongside Prescott and other Blairites. Today it was announced that Cameron and Clegg have 'clashed' over the need to change the voting system. Cameron's allies include the Mayor of London, Clegg has an awkward relationship with the people, and Milliband is looking for a way to crack the party in charge. It may seem that the Etonian Cameron is ruling the country like his Consersative predecessors Thatcher or even Churchill, but he is quick to return to the people's favour by no longer selling off the forests of England. The people appreciate his effort, alienating Clegg and giving Labour less time to strengthen the opposition.
Like Rome, London is an arena for political mayhem, the violence is replaced by men in suits talking sweetly to the people and only hinting at vaguely disagreeing with the opposition. Rudeness is not tolerated as the health and safety culture fears offending anyone. On the other hand, with America acting the same and China growing in the East, a return to solid passionate values could rescue the reputation of Britain from sinking into an abysmal black hole in history.
I like drawing parallels from history, it's great fun!
