[oldE]

Eric,

Actually, I used the Spartans as an example of a warrier state. I suppose I could have used any other of dozens of 'nations' of soldiers who marched at the command of a leader. (or sailors who sailed, for that matter)

My point, (poorly stated as it was) had to do with those who remain behind, complaining vociferously as they dare of the error of it all. Fred Reed seems to have conveniently forgotten his right to complain was bought with the blood of men like those he purports to address and as they bought and paid, some other nay-sayer voiced their opinion just as loud. I suspect Reed's writings will be ignored by those whose lives are lived in boredom, "punctuated by sheer terror" and embraced by those who remain behind and murmer "I told you so."

Thank you
Les