[gaspar]

I was just listening to a UPI editor (a Brit) wax prophetic on the downward path of United States history as it was slowly being isolated from the rest of the world. In counterpoint, he noted the increased inverest Europe was showing in enhancing its own internal defence capability. If Germany is an example, Europe is dead.

[Old Sarge]

The once proud German people. Now emasculated Socialists.

There but for the grace of God go we.

[11B3]

"Conscription is held in high regard in Germany where, because of the militaristic past, it is viewed as an appropriate way of keeping the army in check."

In this nation, we have the 2nd Amendment, which is designed to keep the entire government in check. The real litmus test of whether or not a nation is "free" is the ability to own a firearm for self defense as well as keeping tyranny from running rampant.

[zeugma]

Sounds like a cue on our part to pull out of germany. If they aren't willing to protect themselves, why should we do it for them?

[Prodigal Son]

It's interesting that on this thread you get people more or less criticizing the Germans for cutting the national conscription program and on this other thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1057412/posts

You get people criticizing the ones that want to keep it.

You guys should hook up and argue over this one. It would interesting.

[RJL]

Germany's defence minister, Peter Struck, ordered drastic cuts in the military and slashed defence spending by £18 billion yesterday.

The Americans are pulling most of their troops out of Germany and the Germans are drastically cutting military spending.

Who is going to protect Germany, France?