Klassix Korner

I'm pleased to see the Federal Government doing what wise men have always done, i.e., following the example of the ancient Romans. I refer to the new plan to extend a (modest) aid benefit to families of three or more children, which are now officially considered 'large' families. Knowing full well the benefits of a growing population, Augustus instituted the ius trium liberorum ('right of three children'), a parcel of benefits granted to the parents of three or more children. Among these benefits was the all-important one of precedence in public office. Just imagine if today's public service had accelerated promotion for parents of 'large' families. Like many such benefits, the ius became just another in the Emperor's rich store of bribes and carrots, and was granted to such people as the historian Suetonius, the poet Martial, and the administrator and lettrist Pliny the Younger, even though none of these had any children at all.