ana h, well said!

defense of the nation begins at cannon shot from shore. military adventures outside that line have largely been in support of ego glorification of presidents, kings, dictators- and prime ministers.

switzerland is the most politically advanced nation on earth. they are the only true democracy i know of. they have also been at peace since the napoleonic wars. this little spit-kit of a country is also so reliable and stable that their currency is used as an international standard. they have championed international peace-keeping efforts with the league of nations and the red cross.

yet they are no one's idea of feeble handwringing wusses. when curtin was begging roosevelt to save oz, the swiss were surrounded by nazis and fascists- no ocean moat in between. but they begged no one. their response was:"step across that line,and you're dead."

the wehrmacht believed them, and were right to do so. unlike australia, the swiss have real patriotism. the country belongs to each citizen, and each male citizen was a highly trained soldier defending a country that truly was 'his'. the swiss don't glorify war, but living in europe taught them that the roman general was right:" if you want peace, prepare for war." but rather than prepare for war, the swiss prepared for defense.

australia is different. with no real control of the major questions confronting society, they don't bother to learn much history or politics, it's useless to them. being ignorant and alienated, they are cattle to the pollies propaganda.

they are 3rd rate people, ruled by 2nd rate politicians- donald horne was on the money there.

Garbage if it wasn't for their banks the Swiss would have been overrun just like the rest of Euorope.

alanpoi, the german high command disagreed with you.

Hi to ALL... *TO DEMOS*
I totally agree with your article, Demos. The Swiss had been building their defenses for years and years. Being a mostly mountainous nation, they introduced and constructed many tunnel systems, in order to ensure and preserve their logistic capability, lest they were invaded.

Further, every able bodied male was required to participate in regular military training (an ongoing event) and was further required to have EASY access to military small arms and appropriate ordinance.

Unlike Australia, we are generally caught short, as the events of 1939 subsequently revealed. But we don't seem to learn too much from history, do we?

There is an old saying..."under a Labor Govt., the military and police forces' (law & order per se.) are generally allowed to decline..."? and,..."under a Liberal Govt., often those very important facilities, are more vigorously supported..."? There's always exceptions I suppose.

Apropos ANZAC day. In my humble view, it should be allowed to quietly 'fade away', It has been hijacked by the media, politicians, 'hangers on', pretenders and kids! ANZAC is a day for Veterans ONLY. I personally, will NEVER again march on the 25th of April!

The RSL. Another 'political correct' organisation. Who are morally corrupt in my view! Too frightened to stand-up to those who 'attack' the legitimate veterans in our community. Most of us are now, far too old to defend ourselves.

I'm sorry to all you good folk for my very negative attitude. I just don't travel all that well 'round ANZAC Day.

Cheers...sungwu.

Some great posts here.

I agree, the jingoism and mawkish sentimentality is being laid on thicker every year.

I also despair at the way war is being glorified. In amongst the flag waving, the street marches and the medal displays, I agree, very little if anything is being said about the true horror and futility of warfare.

I can understand the reticence of returned soldiers to talk about the madness, the chaos and the sheer terror of what they went through, but perhaps if more of them did, more of us might be less likely to follow in their footsteps.