THE MEDIEVAL CHARACTER OF THE 21ST CENTURY AMERICAN POLITY

For several years, I taught an upper-division course in the history of the Middle Ages in a university setting. Early on, the course was fully enrolled, but as time passed and student interest began to focus on the making and acquisition of money, more and more students left the liberal arts for the College of Business.  My course in the Middle Ages, which had been taught in both the spring and fall semesters, was, consequently, taught only in the fall.

Lately, as I have continued to observe our present American politics of gridlock and the prevailing leadership style of self-absorption, it has occurred to me that interest in the Medieval era might stand a good chance of reviving; and, if I am correct, the paradigm of the Middle Ages might neatly fit into a template of our contemporary manner of what we euphemistically call "governance."

Of the social order of the Middle Ages, the ranks of top standing were filled by monarchs and those in the uppermost levels of the Church.  When Church and monarch were in accord, the symbiotic relationship that followed could bring with it mutual advantages in which great wealth could accrue to both sides.   By the 13th century, multiple echelons of the Church were dominated by descendants of the nobility who sought wealth and power, just as their progenitors in the aristocracy had devoted themselves to  gaining dominance in feudal politics and manorial economics.

By the late Middle Ages and with the growth of towns and cities, a new basis for the ordering of society was developing with the rise of the middle class, or, as the textbooks would express it, the bourgeoisie.  With the growth of the middle class came capitalism and emphasis on the individual and his right to strive for independence, freedom and dignity.  And, correspondingly, there came with middle class dominance the decline of the old orders of the Middle Ages. A good case may be made, in fact, that the apex of this development may be seen in the United States and in its unique and matchless Constitution.

If it is true that history is a cyclical process, the 21st century may be witnessing the historical process coming full circle. With the presidency becoming more imperial in its outward manifestations, the prerogatives of monarchy are becoming more apparent.  With a tendency to be selective in the enforcement of the law and a continuing trend toward governing by executive decree,  the presidency is now assuming powers that tend to be of both legislative and executive natures. Such power exercised by narcissistic personalities - and it is undeniable that unchallenged power relates well such personalities - invariably undercuts individual rights and liberties.

As power is concentrated and enlarged in Washington, so it is that those who presume to represent the people evolve into a self-perpetuating aristocracy.  This aristocracy, along with its retainers of lobbyists and influence peddlers, form a modern day feudal or manorial class that endures from one generation of family members to another.  Confirmation of this may be seen in how frequently the same surnames keep cropping up on the rolls of Congress.  For this sort of aristocracy, success is not to be determined by positive legislative output, but instead by continuation in power. The ranks of this aristocracy are rife with those whose wealth has grown astronomically during their years of "service" to the people. It is no accident that 21st century zip codes of the wealthiest venues in America are concentrated around the District of Columbia.  Yes, the elite political class knows very well how to live it on the upside.

As for a priestly caste, perhaps a parallel exists with the judicial branch, which, if properly "packed," guarantees sanction for the actions of the president.  Just as Roman despots sought to control the pontifex maximus and the divinations of his his college of pontiffs, much now hinges on the divinations of our robed pontiffs occupying the highest rungs of the judicial system.

If today's invective in Two for Texas does not alarm you, dear readers, please consider the present plight of the American middle class, whose dwindling numbers give all too apparent signs of an essential malady. Middle class values and the middle class work ethic made an exceptional nation, which now finds itself in the crosshairs of those who are determined that our country should no longer be a land of opportunity for those committed to hard work, family values and religious liberty.  Unfortunately, those who wish to usher us into the dustbin of history are open to any and all means to entrench themselves in power for generations to come.  For those of us who love America, we must resolve to meet the challenge of collectivism and mediocrity head on.  To do any less would dishonor the memories of previous generations whose precious legacy we must not waste. Failing in that, we shall merely make clear the road to F. Hayek's vision of serfdom. 

Deo Vindice!

God bless Texas, and may the Lone Star State remain forever red!