From: "Dave Ings" 

Not universally true. See Costa Rica - where the standing army was
abolished in the late 40s. I guess they decided the internal threat from
the army was worse than the external threats. No army, no military coups.
;-)

By the way I've been there twice, mostly on the west coast. Fantastic
place, highly recommended.
--
Regards,
Dave Ings,
Toronto, Canada

"Rich Gauszka"  wrote in message
news:43bc3726{at}w3.nls.net...

>
> It's what an electorate wishes to choose as required services that will
> vary the degree of socialism. Everyone wished that the government protect
> them for foreign threats. Hence we accept a standing army.
>

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