The great scholar activist Edward Said, in his classic book "Orientalism," wrote, " Every single empire in its official discourse has said that it is not like all the others, that its circumstances are special, that it has a mission to enlighten, civilize, bring order and democracy, and that it only uses force as a last resort." Sound at all familiar? It may be hard to hear but there is a direct connection with imperialism and the economic meltdown. The permanent war machine of bases and occupations is very expensive. Rome, among others, found that out. There are limits to power. Aside from enormous moral consequences of imperialism, the fiscal health of the country is eroding. When it comes to the Pentagon budget there are no caps.

Andrew Bacevich is a graduate of West Point and a Vietnam War veteran. He is Professor of History and International Relations at Boston University. He is the author of American Empire and The New American Militarism. His latest book is the best seller The Limits of Power.