Well said Sir Bernie, although as regular readers might understand, there is only one authentic Emperor. Since I am a perveyor of historical knowledge for the teenaged set I get a chance to notice trends among human populations over time as I study. One such trend is that exceptionally prosperous societies with no obvious existential threats surrounding it tend to purposely unravel the very societal cords that made them a great power initially. The relative comfort and ease of life dulls the senses and they begin to find enemies within that are, in fact, the best friends they had ever known. Freedom from the self discipline and vision that forged the empire ended up bringing them down. We will be no different. A structureless people will be a confused and divided ( and ultimately conquered) people. The only person I can control is me so I am with you. This Homey don't play this game either. What might change the direction? War? Terrorism? Economic collapse? What say you?