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Issue date: 11/14/05 Section: News

Julius Caesar assisted other nations with their assimilation into Roman culture.

Spartacus led a rebellion and felt that goverment should be made by the people.

On Monday, Oct. 24, the first teach-in in a series on human rights was held in the Sancta Alberta Chapel.

This introductory lecture covered the basics of Caesarism and Spartacisim as they would relate in today's political society. As the names suggest, these views are derived from Julies Caesar and the famed gladiator Spartacus, respectively.

Caesar was known for his will to help other nations by assimilating them into Roman culture. To him, the only way these cities would thrive was if his own political intervention acted as a catalyst.

Conversely, Spartacus led a rebellion against the Roman Senate, and spread his views of a government made by the people. He was against authority, and believed that the best government was a passive one.

During the lecture, speakers said these two ideals play roles in the current war in Iraq. President Bush is clearly of a Caesarist perspective, because he wishes to spread democracy to Iraq, and our troops are working very hard to accomplish that.

Bush's opponents would say the Iraqis should be allowed to formulate their own system of government, which is a Spartacist opinion.

Ever since the attacks of Sept. 11, these views have been strengthened, and have become more polarized.

That is not to say these principles have been dormant for all these years. On the contrary, they have been exhibited in less-stylized forms. Take for example, when the U.S. intervened in Kosovo some years back.

When we decided to assist the many refugees, that was a Caesarist attitude. Some even believe we abandoned them once we lost political interest. Spartacists say that political rights cannot be compared to economic rights.

Likewise, bills like the U.S. Patriot Act show national security concerns also take precedence over individual rights. Spartacists use this as evidence to support a more unassuming government, whereas Caesarists show that by sacrificing a little freedom, safety will surely increase.

The lecture closed with the open-ended question, "are you Caesarist or Spartacist?" It is a question that can reveal a lot about a person, and perhaps grant some understanding in world politics, human rights, and even in oneself.

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