Bollox. If it were true they'd have collapsed in 1990.

Not having to spend money on self-defense is a wonderful thing,
but don't count on it lasting for too many more "generations"

You may not be aware of this, but the European countries do have their
own military and they pay for it themselves. Did you also know that the
costs of the American military in West Berlin (where I live) was payed
by the West German government?

Horse hockey. Take a look at the percentage of GDP that went into
military spending from 1950 - 1999, United States versus Europe. The
US carried Europe through the 20th century (when we weren't beating
the crap out of you), all the way throught the Cold War, and we're now
carrying you into this new, even more dangerous War on Terror.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"