Their interdependency is not as clear as author insists. They rather both depend on how much recources a nation has to spend on wars and military preparations. US developed in a situation where they didn't have any serious military competition nearby - nothing like Europe (until lately), Russia, China, Middle East or Africa. If US would have to constantly fight for a couple of centuries with, let's say, Canada for territories and resources, the situation would be completely different now. Again, if US would get a serious threat right on their borders, the situation with freedoms and economical prosperity would change pretty soon. Just look at how things have changed after 9/11 - two big buildings destroyed by an enemy. Now imagine the same on the scale of the hole country, with millions of casualties and whole cities in ruins - that's the real war on your territory. Do you get the picture now?
Slashdot Mirror
Their interdependency is not as clear as author insists. They rather both depend on how much recources a nation has to spend on wars and military preparations. US developed in a situation where they didn't have any serious military competition nearby - nothing like Europe (until lately), Russia, China, Middle East or Africa. If US would have to constantly fight for a couple of centuries with, let's say, Canada for territories and resources, the situation would be completely different now. Again, if US would get a serious threat right on their borders, the situation with freedoms and economical prosperity would change pretty soon. Just look at how things have changed after 9/11 - two big buildings destroyed by an enemy. Now imagine the same on the scale of the hole country, with millions of casualties and whole cities in ruins - that's the real war on your territory. Do you get the picture now?
Computer Destruction Championship.
First prize: Brand new P4 PC