Rules By Which a Great Republic Can Be Reduced to A Third Rate Power Humbly Submitted for the Consideration of Those in Authority, That They May With Greater Speed and Certainty Accomplish the Same M. Jenkins Saturday 9 August, 2025 To the Esteemed Custodians of Our National Fortune, It has come to my humble observation that the conduct of a great state, if managed with sufficient art, may soon convert it into one of lesser station. For the benefit of those in high office, whose burdens I know to be heavy and whose wisdom, though profound, might yet be enriched by the counsels of a plain citizen, I here submit certain maxims which, if faithfully followed, will infallibly accomplish the object of diminishing the power, prosperity, and respect of our Republic. Let no one suspect me of insincerity; my sole aim is to aid the present administration in achieving what, by appearances, is already its noble endeavor. Rule I. Appoint to the highest offices those least acquainted with the duties thereof, and most disposed to serve their own interest above that of the public. In this way shall you secure both incompetence and avarice, those twin pillars upon which all declining states are founded. Rule II. When the people do complain, assure them you have heard their cries most tenderly; then proceed without alteration of policy. A show of listening, unaccompanied by the burden of reform, is ever the most agreeable course for those in conmand. Rule III. Tax the people variously and without clear explanation, assuring them that such levies are indispensable for their own benefit; yet see to it that the proceeds be expended upon projects of distant or doubtful utility. The more obscure the benefit, the less they can demand its proof. Rule IV. Maintain a constant enmity between factions of the populace. Encourage each to believe the other is the very root of the nation's decay. Such division will ensure the people's fury is ever turned upon their neighbor, never upon their governors. Rule V. Treat allies with alternations of fawning flattery and casual insult, that none may be certain of your friendship; and in foreign ventures, promise both everything and nothing, that all may be equally dissatisfied. Rule VI. In matters of law, enforce it strictly upon those without means, and with great leniency upon those possessed of influence. This will teach the citizenry that justice is not a right, but a privilege bestowed at the pleasure of their rulers. Rule VII. When disaster befalls any portion of the land, make long speeches upon unity and relief; then distribute aid with such delay and complication as to ensure maximum despair before its arrival. Rule VIII. Ever praise transparency whilst obscuring the workings of government behind committees, closed-door councils, and the labyrinth of administrative delay. Let every citizen know that information is both their right and their impossibility. Rule IX. In all public communications, employ many words and say little. Let proclamations be so adorned with empty phrases that the people may debate endlessly what they mean, and thus forget to inquire whether they were fulfilled. Rule X. If a measure be popular, delay its enactment until the people have quarreled amongst themselves over the particulars; if unpopular, enact it swiftly and in the dead of night, that opposition may be too late to rally. Rule XI. Reward loyalty not to the laws, but to the party; and make it known that advancement comes not through merit, but through service to the prevailing faction. Thus will you cultivate a court of flatterers in place of statesmen. Rule XII. Encourage in the citizenry a constant appetite for distraction, novelties, spectacles, and petty scandals, lest they look too long upon the state of their liberties. Rule XIII. Let the treasury be ever in debt, and speak gravely of fiscal prudence whilst increasing the expense. For nothing so weakens a people as the habit of paying for the present with the earnings of their posterity. Rule XIV. Allow no failure to pass without praise. Should a policy prove ruinous, declare it a stepping-stone to greater triumph. By such arts will you render truth malleable and memory short. Rule XV. When the people at last perceive the ruin and demand change, promise them reform, convene a commission, and appoint to it those whose chief talent lies in ensuring nothing is altered. — A Concluding Word to the People If in these Rules you perceive a likeness to the conduct of your own governors, be assured it is but coincidence; for no administration could be so artful as to follow them all without flaw. And if you should wish to preserve your liberties, you need only demand the opposite of each herein prescribed—though I fear such a course is far less agreeable to those entrusted with your welfare. Thus, dear countrymen, I place these humble suggestions before the public eye, that all may judge their merit, and perhaps admire the remarkable industry with which our leaders have set about perfecting them.