By way of an op-ed piece in today's Washington Post, the National Security Adviser to the President of the United States has publicly and unambiguously laid out the Administration's intention to establish imperium:
Today America and our friends and allies must commit ourselves to a long-term transformation in another part of the world: the Middle East. A region of 22 countries with a combined population of 300 million . . .America is determined to help the people of the Middle East achieve their full potential. We will act because we want greater freedom and opportunity for the people of the region, as well as greater security for people in America and throughout the world.
The writer is national security adviser to the president [sp].
I think this pretty much puts paid to the whole 'Republic vs. Empire' debate. For good or ill, it seems that our rulers - for surely this is how they must view themselves, to send out their underlings to make such proclamations in the broadsheets - have decided upon this course, and have kindly deigned to inform their subjects (formerly known as 'citizens') of the burdens we are expected to shoulder.
If I sound bitter - well, I am.
