Does Rome foretell United States’ decline?

Caligula and Nero were two of the more problematic emperors of Rome after the fall of the Republic and the rise of the rule by emperors.

Caligula was seen as a good leader for the first few years, then descended into madness and folly to be assassinated by his own guards. He was followed by Claudius, a more docile figure who was succeeded by Nero, an even more cunningly evil figure than Caligula.

The quality of the various absolute rulers of the then-expanding Roman Empire was, of course, leading to its eventual decline and destruction.

Why do I ponder this? You guessed it: I’m looking at the spectacle of our last two leaders and wondering aloud if we’re repeating the trajectory of Rome’s historic fall. Yet we do have the benefit of studying this history and perhaps learning a bit.

— Mike Caggiano, San Mateo

GOP version of U.S. is not worth cheering

What is the USA the MAGA senators and representatives were chanting during President Trump’s address to Congress?

One where Vladimir Putin’s puppet, using his “brilliant” negotiating skills, seeks Ukraine’s capitulation as a solution to the war, and then abandons Ukraine when Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in the unfounded accusation by JD Vance, refuses to express thanks. Where Trump has splintered the U.S. relationship with its European allies, making Putin’s wildest dream come true. Where he provokes a trade war with our North American neighbors. Where he has bestowed immense power to an unelected billionaire to drastically and arbitrarily cut Veterans Affairs’ and other agencies’ staff. Where 1,500 convicted insurrectionists go free. Where the federal government has no role in education.

The list goes on and on. This is a USA no one should be cheering on.

— Kevin Cody, San Jose

Military excellence means little to Trump

The recent firings of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the lead admiral of the Navy show the complete lack of respect the Trump administration and the current Republican Party have for the members of our armed forces.

Gen. Charles Q. Brown and Adm. Lisa Franchetti did not achieve their roles without a career where their peers and superiors advanced them based on merit. This administration has just told countless members of the Army and Navy that their agreement that these defenders of America were the best of the best was meaningless. They have just told them and the rest of us that a career of service for our country means nothing if you can be sacrificed on the altar of the MAGA agenda.

— Kevin Goodwin, Santa Cruz

Voters will be heard in 2026 midterms

Do you want the special education needs of your child neglected because the Department of Education is being eliminated?

Do you want the Department of Veterans Affairs dismantled? Do you want to fear that Social Security benefits may cease because DOGE is gutting the Social Security Administration?

You are the answer. Only you can preserve America for everyone, not just the few. Prepare for the mid-term elections in and make your voice heard.

— Joanie Shicoff, Martinez