4 Comments
User's avatar
A Glass-1/8th-Full Perspective's avatar

I’ve been using the term #RepubloFascism for over two decades now. I didn’t think it could be worse than the George W. Bush variant, but I didn’t realize how low the GOP could go. I never expected reality to go beyond my original definition. Nor did I expect it to be so blatant, with the entire support of the GOP. Let’s hope that after 2027 when the next impeachments begin that the GOP is buried for another generation at least.

Expand full comment
Janet  Woodworth's avatar

The "Dark Ages," a term used to describe the Early Middle Ages in Western Europe (approximately 5th to 10th centuries), was characterized by a decline in learning and cultural achievements compared to the Roman Empire, as well as a shift to rural life and feudalism. This period saw a decrease in urban centers, a rise in feudalism, and a decline in literacy and trade. While the term suggests a dark period of decline, modern historians acknowledge the period's complexities and have begun to re-evaluate its characteristics.

Here's a more detailed look at the characteristics:

1. Decline of Urban Centers and Rise of Rural Life:

• Decline in Cities: The era saw a significant decrease in the size and importance of urban areas, as many people moved to rural areas.

• Feudalism: A feudal system of land ownership and military service emerged, with a hierarchical structure of lords, vassals, and serfs.

2. Decline in Learning and Culture:

• Loss of Classical Learning: Classical education, prevalent in Roman times, declined as the influence of the Church grew.

• Literacy Plummets: The ability to read and write decreased among the general population.

• Shift in Cultural Focus: While learning and culture still existed, the focus shifted from classical learning to religious and practical skills.

3. Economic and Trade Decline:

• Trade Interruption: Long-distance trade networks, prominent during the Roman Empire, declined, as the focus shifted to local and regional economies.

Economic Decay: The Roman economy, which had already been struggling, continued to decline, leading to a decrease in wealth and resources.

4. Rise of the Church:

• Church's Influence: The Church became a dominant force in Europe, filling the power vacuum left by the Roman Empire.

• Monasticism: The growth of monasticism played a significant role in preserving learning and culture during this period.

5. Other Notable Characteristics:

• Invasions and Warfare: The period was marked by invasions and warfare, which contributed to the decline of urban areas and the rise of feudalism.

• Population Decline: Population declined, especially in urban centers, due to factors like war, disease, and migration.

Expand full comment
Timothy Teter's avatar

“The Dark Ages” and the term “Republican Fascism” have never been more ominous. Without at least some backbone being shown by the Supreme Court and almost every lower court in the country this country could easily go down faster than it’s already been going. I am certain that this president is racing against time before the midterms to get his party behind him.

Expand full comment
HungarianAgrarian's avatar

We don't need Empires we need Unity and sharing.

Expand full comment