The Borgias

This week I read about the Borgias for our class. As I read, I was disturbed by many actions they had taken, but I could not help but draw comparisons to things that I have seen in my lifetime. With America as the leading power in the world for many decades, it has taken on the role of a modern day Rome. In large-scale governments, existing over the course of massive societal change and progress, it seems inevitable that figures with compromised morals could find ways to gain political influence. There are parallels in the lifestyles of the Borgias, and the lifestyles of current government figureheads in America. They lived lavish and luxurious lives fraught with sexual promiscuity, and it seems as if apathy for decency has been bred in that disconnect from the common man. What stood out the most to me, was their boldness in their devious actions. "no longer any crime or shameful act that does not take place in public in Rome and in the home of the Pontiff" (Lee). When politicians, and people in positions of influence and power, have dismantled the failsafes meant to prevent immoral behavior, they have no fear of exploiting their power often. 

Source:
Lee, Alexander. “Were the Borgias Really so Bad?” Were the Borgias Really so Bad? | History Today, 1 Oct. 2013, 9:30, www.historytoday.com/alexander-lee/were-borgias-really-so-bad.