Nemesis in Greek mythology was the goddess representing the spirit of divine retribution against those who succumb to hubris. Nemesis personified resentment against those who committed crimes with apparent impunity.
In his latest book, called "Nemesis: The Last Days of the American Republic," author Chalmers Johnson offers a grim view for America as an empire.
"The main proposition in 'Nemesis', and the reason for the subtitle, is not just hype to try and sell books," Johnson said. "It is to argue history tells us there's no more unstable combination than that of a domestic democracy and a foreign empire."
According to Johnson, such attempts ultimately proved to be the undoing of the Romans, the British, the Germans and the former Soviet Union, thus, it would be extremely naive to believe America can maintain its present course.
I suspect that "empire" is not how most Americans self-identify. But it is hard to argue with Chalmers' claim when the Pentagon reports it has 737 American military bases globally in over 130 countries. This does not factor in that, as Chalmers offers, 40 percent of the Pentagon's estimated $419 billion budget is "black," which means it is classified as "top secret" and unaccounted for.
This gives presidents of both parties wide latitude to operate covert operations under the radar of the two remaining branches of government as well as the watchful eye of the American people.
Look at what we do know and there is still no outrage. According to the U.S. attorney general, simply labeling an individual as an "enemy combatant" could remove any rights to habeas corpus.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., was publicly vilified for having the audacity to conclude after reading a declassified FBI file that the torture practices at Guantanamo Bay reminded him of the Soviet Union or Nazi Germany. Never mind that it was documented that our government was engaging in systematic use of torture. Durbin was forced to apologize on the Senate floor; for the present administration, it was business as usual.
According to "Nemesis," America may be past the point of no return.
America's loss in manufacturing jobs leaves militarism as the only game in town. In 1965, manufacturing accounted for 53 percent of the economy. In 1988, 39 percent, and in 2004, just 9 percent. This would suggest if we can heed Chalmers' warnings by eschewing imperialism and return our democratic traditions, it's not clear there would be anything to return to.
Militarism is not simply the defense of the country -- it represents the high level of military influence by the government's willingness to not only strengthen the armed forces, but also its policies and ideals. It is a way of life for the country.
During our interview, I told Chalmers I would prefer his analysis to be wrong. He concurred, but added: "mistaken optimism is never forgiven, mistaken pessimism is easily forgiven."
Byron Williams is an Oakland pastor and syndicated columnist. E-mail him at byron@byronspeaks.com or leave a message at (510) 208-6417.