The author of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire remains surprisingly relevant today. The scholar was of course examining history for the causes of the decline of the once-great people. Here is one passage (p. 365) worth quoting, in light of current events:
But its fall (The Empire's) was announced by a clearer omen than the flight of vultures. The Roman goverment appeared every day less formidable to its enemies, more odious and oppressive to its subjects. The taxes were multiplied with the public distress, economy was neglected in proportion as it became necessary, and the injustice of the rich shifted the unequal burden from themselves to the people, whom they defrauded of their indulgences that might sometimes have alleviated their misery."
Something to remind your congress person about for approving the $70 billion tax cut.