The most ruthless empire the world has ever known?
Really? The Brits were no slouches. Nor were the Romans. What a weird form of braggadocio.
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The United States does not command the "most ruthless empire the world has ever known."
It just has better kill toys and enjoys the logistical benefits of an age in which the planetary map is nearly complete (the better to project power upon).
Compared to Augustus, even that sneering cardiac experiment and war criminal Cheney is little more than a mean-spirited jackass.
.d.