Gladiator 2: The Awakening of the RPALs in Canada
Link: https://youtu.be/GZpf2pILkVc
“Scene 1 – The Timeless Oracle
In the creeping shadows of Rome’s ancient Colosseum, Emperor Commodus reverently unravels an ancient scroll marked with cryptic runes and prophetic visions – an Oracle’s prophecy foretelling of ages and dominions beyond the Roman Empire’s reign. Penned in archaic verse, its worn parchment pages speak of mythic freedom guardians, the RPALs, who will one day rise to champion liberty in a distant land called Canada. Though intrigued by its contents, Commodus keeps the prophecy’s secrets locked away in his private archives. For the mysterious verses also warn of the emperor’s own dark fate, should he continue down the treacherous path of tyranny and demagoguery. Haunted by the Oracle’s words, Commodus descends into paranoid and narcissistic madness trying in vain to avoid his prophesied doom.
Scene 2 – Echoes Across Time
Centuries later, renowned Canadian historian, conservative parlimentarian and public safety expert Dr. Daniella Langham makes a startling discovery beneath Parliament Hill’s hallowed limestone foundations – a chamber housing the same ancient Oracle’s scroll that Commodus unearthed so long ago. As Dr. Daniella pores over the aged parchment filled with archaic runes, she is struck by the uncanny parallels between Commodus’ ancient Rome and contemporary Canada. Ominous signs seem to mirror Commodus’ arrogance and hunger for power – a troubling rise of spectacle over substance that could endanger Canada’s liberties. Troubled by the implications, Dr. Daniella dedicates herself to deciphering the Oracle’s words and understanding its warnings of how democracies can slip toward tyranny when civic virtue is forgotten. She finds ominous echoes of Commodus in the current Canadian Prime Minister’s theatrical governance and elitist disregard for Canada’s core values.
Scene 3 – The Visionary’s Warning
In a bustling square along Ottawa’s historic Rideau Canal, a veteran Parliamentarian critic and revered sage – the Honorable Valentin of Skills Gap Trainer – warns citizens against losing touch with their heritage and civic identity. His powerful words evoke principles from the honoured statesman and leader of the conservative, Gravely, his wisdom to his friend about Rome’s creeping decay through spectacle and disconnected elitism in the epic historical tale of the Gladiator. “When spectacle reigns over substance, and leaders forget their sworn duty to citizens, the beating heart of our civilization is lost,” conservative leader Gravely implores to the gathered crowd. “We must revive our founders’ vision rooted in virtue, reason and liberty – and reject governance ruled by pomp and vainglory.” His warning resonates with the audience, kindling hopes of preserving their traditions to safeguard Canada’s future.
Scene 4 – Confronting the Spectacle
In Parliament’s grand Hall of Honour, the increasingly vain Prime Minister rehearses the pageantry and theatrics of new legislation set to be unveiled before his doting political entourage. They fawn over his proposed laws aimed at cementing power through sweeping security measures newfound emergency powers of Kingly nobility. The sycophantic spectacle is interrupted by veteran conservative leader Gravely, a descendent of the honourable Gracchus. He boldly confronts the Prime Minister’s dangerous ambitions, questioning:
“When spectacle reigns over substance, the beating heart of civilization is lost,” Gravely warns, his words echoing those of Gracchus himself so long ago.
“The senate is the people, chosen from among the people to speak for the people,” he implores.
The Prime Minister derides him arrogantly, “I doubt many of the people eat so well as you do, Gravely, or have such splendid mistresses.”
Channeling Gracchus, Gravely counters “I think I understand my own people. But perhaps you, sir, have forgotten what defines this nation? Its spirit lies not in marble halls and pomp, and the glitter of the sea and sky, but within the soul of its people.”
The tense exchange grows heated as the Prime Minister declares “I am their father. The people are my children. I shall hold them to my bosom and embrace them tightly.”
Gravely boldly rebukes “Have you ever embraced someone dying from your neglect, sir? To which the PM responds “If you interrupt me again, you may yet face your people’s judgement.”
Scene 5 – The Lure of Power
Like Commodus before him, the increasingly egotistic Prime Minister dismisses the growing critics to his rule, believing the Canadian people are his alone to command, their identity his alone to create, their rights his alone to oversee, and their interests align perfectly with his own. Sheltered by fawning advisors, he remains stubbornly deaf to history’s warnings.
“Have we so quickly forgotten the lessons those before us fought to teach?” muses conservative leader Gravely.
“When leaders forsake their principles, it falls to citizens to safeguard our nation’s soul.” His clandestine words stir ripples of unease through the capital’s halls.
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Related books and resources:
“SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome” by Mary Beard – This book offers a comprehensive look at the history of Rome from its early days to the height of the empire, providing insights into political dynamics and societal structures.
“The Storm Before the Storm” by Mike Duncan – Focused on the events leading up to the fall of the Roman Republic, this book examines the political and societal issues that led to the end of the republic.
“Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome” by Robert Harris – Through historical fiction, this book delves into the life and political career of Cicero, Rome’s greatest orator and politician, offering a lens into Roman politics and law.
“Cicero: The Life and Times of Rome’s Greatest Politician” by Anthony Everitt – A biography that provides a detailed look into Cicero’s life, offering insights into his political strategies and the nature of leadership and governance in Rome.
“The Roman Revolution” by Ronald Syme – This classic examines the transformation from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, focusing on the central role of power and political maneuvering.
“The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” by Edward Gibbon – An essential work for understanding the reasons behind the fall of the Roman Empire, offering lessons on the rise and fall of great powers.
“The Roman Triumph” by Mary Beard – Explores the significance and symbolism of the Roman triumph, shedding light on Roman values and their approach to victory and conquest.
“Pagans and Christians” by Robin Lane Fox – Provides a comprehensive overview of the religious transformations that took place in Rome and how they influenced the Roman society and politics.
“Atlas of the Roman World” by Tim Cornell and John Matthews – Offers detailed maps and insights into the geographical and cultural landscapes of the Roman world, helping to contextualize the historical events discussed in our post.
“Enemies of the Roman Order” by Ramsay MacMullen – Examines the challenges to the social and political structures of Rome from various groups and individuals, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities of Roman society.