Poor Plebeian Man Reveals Truths About Poverty in Rome
Petronius: Hello, my name is Petronius Cornellius and today I am joined by Pontius Servilus. Pontius, could you describe your living situation exactly for us?
Pontius: Well, I was fortunate enough to find a small opening along the side of an abandoned building that I can use as shelter. I don’t really have any real clothes or much food for that matter but there are some dogs that visit me so I have them as company at least. In simpler terms, I am homeless.
Petronius: So were there any specific events that led you to be in this position? Because we know how big of a problem homelessness is today.
Pontius: A couple years ago, I was doing great. I never thought I’d be here. But it’s all thanks to the war that never seems to stop. When they called me to fight, I thought I was prepared if I didn’t make it out alive, but I should’ve been preparing for the other possibly. Losing everything and living alone on the streets. We never thought this could happen to us.
Petronius: We? So you have a family?
Pontius: Oh, yes. I had a beautiful wife, and my 2 children. I haven’t seen them since I departed. Even after traveling from city to city in search of them, I haven’t had anything but bad luck. I want more than anything in the world to be with them again. They were my pride and joy, not a second passes when I don’t think about them. The only thing keeping me alive is the hope that I will find them again.
Petronius: And being in your situation, how do you feel about poverty in Rome? Have your beliefs changed since the war?
Pontius: They definitely have changed. Before being called to battle, I was aware of the severe poverty rates, but never really realized that you can’t really be prepared for something like this. Many of our neighbors were being forced to sell their farms to rich patricians or latifundia. Now being in their position, I know what desperation really feels like and whenever I look around and see how many others are in my position it really shows me that Rome needs to make a change.
Petronius: What do you think Rome should do about this?
Pontius: Well, I think that if the senate and latifundia can afford to buy all our land, can’t they afford to help the homeless? It seems to be such a simple philosophy that if your citizens are happy, your empire can thrive. But I can see now that Romans are taken over by their hunger for money and power. I feel ashamed for what our nation has become.
Petronius: Wow, it truly is incredible how fast the tables can turn and one can go from the backbone of a nation to living on the streets. It’s such a shame how often this is happening, but thank you for all the insight and for coming today, Pontius.
Petronius: My name is Petronius Cornellius and today I am accompanied by the one and only Romulus. So Romulus, what’s it like being the center of all the buzz lately.
Romulus: Well I’ve gotten many mixed reactions. Some of the people love me and respect me as a leader, which is a smart move of them. But, others think what I did was completely unnecessary. I can safely say though, that whether the people support or oppose me, they all fear me.
Petronius: So let’s get to the bottom of this, then. What was the reason that fueled you to kill Remus, your own brother? Do you regret it?
Romulus: Well he underestimated me. And plus, he was letting his jealousy get the best of him. Yes, he might’ve been my brother, but nobody wants someone that petty ruling them, right? If he couldn’t see that what I was doing by building Rome here was right after me trying to explain it, than that shows how narrow-minded and jealous he was. He was always like that.
Petronius: Well now that you’re a legendary leader, can you say that there was a certain person that inspired you in your lifetime?
Romulus: Oh, yes definitely. Although we now know that my father is Mars, Faustulus had a huge impact on us. He was just a farmer but he took us in when when nobody would and taught us a lot. I really appreciate him looking back now. But he wouldn’t be happy knowing what happened with Remus.
Petronius: So overall, are you glad everything turned out the way it did? If you could change any of your actions, would you?
Romulus: Certainly, I’ve been able to work my way up and now people respect me. Just as I’ve always known I deserved. If sacrifices had to be made, so be it. I know it’s for the best even if others can’t see it.
Petronius: Wow, I think this insight will really show those who are doubtful what a great leader you are. Thank you for coming today and sharing this with us.
Romulus Spills On Why He Really Killed His Brother
Rich Plebeian Woman Expresses Her Opinions on Homelessness
Petronius: Petronius Cornellius here, joined by Aemelia Fabius. So Aemelia, we received your letter about the slavery debate and were glad to know you could come in and talk about the homelessness issue today. So, Aemelia, why do you think the homelessness and poverty rates are so high now?
Aemelia: Well, Petronius, some people may think I’m cold-hearted in saying this, but the homeless people did this to themselves, and that’s the truth. I mean look at me, my family and I are doing great because we worked for our money. If those facing poverty had been more responsible with their money and worked harder they wouldn’t be facing these problems.
Petronius: But what about those who were called to war and couldn’t support their families? Do you think that their struggles are their own fault?
Aemelia: Well, I can see how this is different, but everyone knows that the husband is the head of the family and these men who are now homeless are saying that the Senate should be able to afford to help out the homeless. But, if you’re a husband and father and are trying to rely on the Senate to support your family, you’re doing something wrong. So no matter what, it’s absolutely ridiculous of these people to blame Rome for where they are now or if they don’t have a home.
Petronius: And is it true that you own more land than allowed by law? Would you ever consider giving some to the homeless?
Aemilia: Well, technically, we do own more than allowed, but I don’t think there’s such a thing as too much land. But I would never just give away land! That’s ridiculous! Those living in poverty don’t deserve our land and anyone who thinks I’m being cruel should imagine being in my place. Would you want to just give away your property to someone you don’t even know?
Petronius: But if you want them to imagine being in your position, don’t you think it’s only fair to imagine if you were in poverty and living on the streets?
Aemelia: As a matter of fact, I have thought of it. I wouldn’t be lazy or just sit on the streets. I would get a job and support my children. I actually find it offensive when homeless people are just sitting around and not trying to get anything done.
Petronius: Well this was very different from anything we’ve heard. Thank you for coming in and sharing your opinions.