Something about being in the military brings into sharp focus the necessity to learn from mistakes, preferably those of others. Trump, either being incapable or being unconcerned, has failed to learn at all from the errors of empires past, even as he tries to turn the United States into one. We, citizens, remember, even if he doesn’t: it never ends well…
The Rise and Fall of Empire
Empires don't ever last. Whether due to infighting, or over-extension, empires are destined to fall. Donald Trump is making all of the same classic nouveau-dictator mistakes.
Jan 12, 2026
∙ Paid
Right and Freedom
Former United States Marines break down the news of the day and the implications for the constitutional democracy that we swore an oath to protect. Content and evidence are provided in thoughtful further analysis via blog entries on this substack.
Former United States Marines break down the news of the day and the implications for the constitutional democracy that we swore an oath to protect. Content and evidence are provided in thoughtful further analysis via blog entries on this substack.Listen on
Substack App
RSS Feed
Appears in episode

Andrew Sweet
Writes Andrew’s Substack Subscribe

Christina Robinson
Writes Christina Robinson Subscribe
Recent Episodes












