sorry thomas but I don't believe that Rome was truly a land of free people, my research tells me that Rome was not a Republic but a very totalitarian state in its own right, and it tried to spread its military across the known world for control and one of the many reasons why Rome fell was because it spread itself too thin kind of like another country is doing today so like I said the bottom line is the fasces today represents fascism which equals control of all by one
I make this suggestion, not out of sarcasm, but out of a desire to see you use accurate information and actual facts, as opposed to what I earlier referred to as "pop culture education".
This book is a cheap, easy read. It's a $6.95, 32 page paperback sold by Amazon. And it will help you. From your posts related to Rome in this thread, I promise you, it will help you.
The Best Book of Ancient Rome
Your "bottom line" statement is a complete non sequitur. It's just as illogical as suggesting that if Michelle Obama is seen wearing a
purple coat (you understand the historical significance of that color, I'm sure) that means she is setting herself up to seize control of the Executive branch and the military, dissolve the Senate and make herself Empress.
Order the book and read it. Once you're done, donate it to a library or keep it for future reference. 32 pages. It'll take you no time at all.