“‘Most armed; most free.’ So the renowned Italian thinker and strategist Niccolo Machiavelli described the Swiss five centuries ago. Switzerland has long stayed behind its borders and observed armed neutrality, avoiding both world wars. But on voting days in the Alps, burly farmers come down from the mountains carrying their rifles, axes, and swords – reminders that Swiss independence was won and remains thanks to her people’s force of arms. Switzerland is the world’s oldest democracy, dating from 1291. Citizens vote directly in all major questions. The 26 Swiss cantons manage their own financial, judicial, and administrative affairs.”
http://ericmargolis.com/2013/09/why-i-keep-a-swiss-bayonet-on-my-desk/
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