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A Good Friday Parallel
It is often said that the Romans were civilized but their most
famous general was responsible for the greatest act of vandalism
during antiquity. Julius Caesar was attacking Alexandria in pursuit
of his arch rival Pompey when he found himself about to be cut off
by the Egyptian fleet. Realizing that this would leave him in a
desperate predicament, he took decisive action and sent fire ships
into the harbor. His plan was a success and the enemy fleet was
quickly aflame. But the fire did not stop there and jumped onto
the dockside which was laden with flammable materials ready for
export. Next it spread in land and before anyone could stop it,
the Great Library itself was blazing brightly as 400,000 priceless
scrolls were reduced to ashes. As for Caesar himself, did not think
it important enough to mention in his memoirs.
Perhaps we are now guilty of the "greatest act of vandalism"
during modern times. Mr Bush was able to protect the oil wells.
How hard would it have been to guard some old pots and tablets.
As for Mr Bush himself, did not think it important enough to...
<YESTERDAY | TOMORROW>
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