what change?

It is easy to talk about change. Much easier than making it happen. There is an old Roman proverb that reads, nil nove sub sole. Although 2,000 years old, it is as relevant today as it was when first written. The truth is that over those 2,000 years very little has changed. So little in fact that if we were to magically resurrect the Romans -like the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park- they would not find it very hard to comprehend or adapt to our society.

Sure, they might be in awe when they first see airplanes, cars, cell phones and TV's. But that would not last too long. The Roman elite would quickly grasp how to use these modern tools to further their ancient goals of domination and control. Despite the new toys the basic concepts are unchanged. 

The Romans knew a highway infrastructure was important in ruling the empire. So they built one, and a rather high quality one too. Many of the Roman roads are functional today. How is that for infrastructure? Roman roads can rival American bridges. It is not a big step to go from wagons to semi's. I am sure the Roman architects fantasized about these in any case. It would be no shock to them to see their fantasies become reality.

When it comes to change, take a closer look to see history in action. The people overseeing and administering the financial bail-out and rescue plans are the same people that got us in the mess in the first place. The CEOs of failed companies are now heading the government panels overseeing the rescue operations. The politicians, lobbyists and pundits of yesterday are staffing the new administration. The same very rich are financing it all. Every cycle these guys put in more money and every cycle the elected officials become more beholden to the powers that be. It would not be surprising if we, like Rome, suddenly changed our system to a dictatorship with emperors.

Sure, there are slight shifts every few years. One cycle the more conservative and hawkish members hold sway and then the more moderate and liberal ones take over. But they are all part of the same club. The same families and dynasties that ruled our country in the past century are still at the helm today. Only a few of the old guard have fallen by the wayside due to unfortunate events, and a few new ones have joined. In essence the rulers are the same. So are the rules.

We will inaugurate a black president, but the color of money stays as green as ever. Only the face on the stamps changes. We have a new actor for an entrenched role. A fresh face to sell the same old message.