Beware the Ides of March
Florida, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio all hold primary elections today.
I'm sure you're aware of this, and if you weren't just turn on a television.
(I'm allergic to political ads, so I can't without an epi pen.)
It's also a historical day in politics;
Today is the day Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C.E.
He got a surprise dagger party on the senate floor! Ouch.
The Ides, simply means the halfway point, and that was the 13th or 15th depending on the month.
William Shakespeare made the line famous in his play, which was based on historical writings (but obviously fictionalized because he wasn't there).
Each year we hear that heavy phrase on this day, and it brings images of Shakespeare's mysterious soothsayer warning Caesar of his impending doom.This is probably where the superstition came from that it was an unlucky day, which brings me to this awesome Books by Her Side bauble featuring the Cassius line to Brutus:
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| Books By Her Side on Etsy |
But every March 15th, I've always thought more about Brutus.
This is probably due to the influence of Shakespeare's work, as Brutus is essentially the protagonist of this work.
This TED Ed animation is actually a perfect illustration of my mood when I think of Brutus.
Here's a fun, brief history of the Roman empire and Julius Caesar's role in it, if you'd like to learn more.
Even if the Roman patricians are technically like the current oligarchy, you have to admit that plebeian voting is a better deal than a militarized emperor.
Anywho-
No matter what your political leanings may be,
enjoy these finds and then make sure to
do your stabbing with a pen, on the ballot, in the voting booth this year.
Beware the Ides of March.
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