[zimdog]

Longevity is a measure of time, not of value or desirability. Some of the oldest "societies" existing today - have still journeyed little distance since the bronze age.

Perhaps. But my post was addressing your initial statement, in which you seem to ascribe more than a little importance to longevity: "A society that can not succeed in the execution of folks like these - regardless of any protection provided, is a society that will not long survive." (Emphasis added.)

[river rat]

".....is a society that will not long survive."

I guess we're now down to the "Devil in the Details"....
What is a viable "society" and what exactly do we mean by "survive"????

Semper Fi