Well, Senator Coruncanius, when I speak of expansion, I do so because we are at war. No matter what standpoint you view Rome's situation from, you cannot deny that we must take the land of our aggressors or forever be subject to their assaults. As you should also note, it is myself who has tried to significantly moderate the extent to which many would have us expand. It is my opinion that the Republic must show the world it cannot be sent swiftly into the night, it will strike a spark against its foes and rise to become a new star in the sky. Unforetunatly culture alone cannot sway our foes to set aside the sword..this is why the legions exist. But the legions can put our enemies down, and then we can spread the word of the Republic to those who would do us harm. To educate them in the ways of peace. Within the next five years, unless something severe occurs to interrupt the status quo, I will not back any plans to take more land from other men than I have suggested in my plan to end these wars. That is where I stand.