conspiracy/history repeats itself

I've been watching the first season of the HBO series Rome. There is a lot of blood, violence, nudity, sex and phallic symbols. That should convince most people to tune in! What fascinates me is that politics is the business of power. Not necessarily money, but control, esteem and status. Cesar had complete control over his subjects. They did whatever he wanted them to do and could dismiss them with "That will be all," and they immediately withdrew themselves from his presence and set out to fulfill his wishes. He ordered martial law in Rome in order to bring peace to the city. He set out to dominate regions in order to ensure he would not lose his status in the world. He had people killed because they posed a threat to his status, and spared others only if it would suit his political purpose.

So how can we fool ourselves to think that our own government doesn't operate in this manner? People are drawn to politics often because they desire power and status and control. Not all leaders are benevolent, and if they are, they are usually eliminated. People in power, families who maintain dynasties, want to maintain the status quo. Those who are at the top should remain at the top.

I'm also reading an article in the New Yorker about conspiracy theory. So while watching Rome I'm reminded of some of the unfortunate and mysterious deaths of our day that seem awfully similar to deaths that might have happened in the time of Rome. Cesar could have killed Pompey's son. But political strategy spared his life. But what about Paul Wellstone? John Jr.? Why did their planes mysteriously go down? What about Princess Di? How could these people who are so highly esteemed in our culture and who have body guards and press surrounding them all the time be killed in accidents?

Not to mention the assassinations of the heroes of our generation: JFK, MLK, Lennon...

So call me paranoid, but I'd rather think that I'm not living my life with the wool pulled over my eyes.