America is often compared to the ancient Roman Empire, with main levels of comparison focusing on military aspects as well as the foreign trade accompanied with it. Another more subtle topic is the problem of 'the pleb'. Plebians, as they were called in Rome, were the poor, lower class 'citizens' of Rome who lived in urban areas and leeched off state welfare (in such cities as Capua, Patavium, Rome). For political purposes, these people were represented by the 'populist' political group, with such figures as Julius Ceaser and Gaius Marius being 'champions' of the people. However, if one knows a substantial amount of Roman history, these political figures merely used the 'plebs' for political advantages, both in voting and eventually military acquisitions of land and soldiers. Eventually, the pleb class bankrupt the empire of Rome by essentially making no contribution to Roman society (military plebs were quickly replaced by foreign auxiliaries) and leeching off the welfare state of the Roman Empire. Several of the plebians were indeed immigrants to Roman country, as well as slaves imported from various areas. The abuse of the plebian class by politicians and the abuse BY the plebians of Rome's political base essentially led to the empire's financial downspire. Does America face the fate of Rome? Does a non-contributing lower class threaten the fabric and delicacy of American society? What are the long-term effects of unskilled labor? Education, a valuable asset, cannot give the individual skills and talents needed to succeed; these simply come from merit and self-responsibility. Marcus Cicero, a noted Roman Senate member before the rise of Ceaser, often confronted the Senate with a common problem, 'What to do with the plebs?' Again, what can America do with an unskilled and poor lower class? Continue their existence through welfare? Give them menial work in the fields and factories (as Rome did)? How can America utilize its plebs for future success?
