LONDINIUM 91 AD. Political Revenge: Comparing Modern American Vendettas to Roman Gore Gaius (John Batchelor) and Germanicus (Michael Vlahos) The conversation focuses on the nature of political revenge, prompted by the revival of Seneca's bloody revenge p
Season 1, Episode 32, Oct 27, 02:34 AM
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LONDINIUM 91 AD. Political Revenge: Comparing Modern American Vendettas to Roman Gore
Gaius (John Batchelor) and Germanicus (Michael Vlahos)
The conversation focuses on the nature of political revenge, prompted by the revival of Seneca's bloody revenge play Octavia. Gaius expresses astonishment that editorialists appear surprised by Mr. Trump seeking vengeance against those who attempted to jail him, noting that revenge is inherent to the Roman and American empires. Germanicus states he is only surprised that the opposing party refuses to confess to similar actions, citing historical Democratic precedents such as the Palmer raids under Wilson and successful efforts against Richard Nixon. He calls the opposition's outrage a "forked tongue expression," noting the unjustified high-security incarceration of individuals for minor offenses following the 2020 events. Gaius observes that the opposition employs false piety and melodrama—such as claiming democracy faces an existential crisis—in place of historical understanding. Germanicus argues that political bitterness and high levels of lying stem from the opposition's belief that they represent light and truth, leading to the "othering" of the enemy. This dehumanization means that lying becomes perceived as an act of virtue. The hosts conclude that while Roman political revenge sometimes involved preemptively wiping out one's own family, the current American conflict represents a comparatively mild cupcake tyranny.
1883 CATO SUICIDE
Gaius (John Batchelor) and Germanicus (Michael Vlahos)
The conversation focuses on the nature of political revenge, prompted by the revival of Seneca's bloody revenge play Octavia. Gaius expresses astonishment that editorialists appear surprised by Mr. Trump seeking vengeance against those who attempted to jail him, noting that revenge is inherent to the Roman and American empires. Germanicus states he is only surprised that the opposing party refuses to confess to similar actions, citing historical Democratic precedents such as the Palmer raids under Wilson and successful efforts against Richard Nixon. He calls the opposition's outrage a "forked tongue expression," noting the unjustified high-security incarceration of individuals for minor offenses following the 2020 events. Gaius observes that the opposition employs false piety and melodrama—such as claiming democracy faces an existential crisis—in place of historical understanding. Germanicus argues that political bitterness and high levels of lying stem from the opposition's belief that they represent light and truth, leading to the "othering" of the enemy. This dehumanization means that lying becomes perceived as an act of virtue. The hosts conclude that while Roman political revenge sometimes involved preemptively wiping out one's own family, the current American conflict represents a comparatively mild cupcake tyranny.
1883 CATO SUICIDE