Subject:
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Re: An armed society...
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.off-topic.debate
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Date:
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Mon, 21 Jan 2002 14:01:54 GMT
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Viewed:
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1997 times
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In lugnet.off-topic.debate, Scott Arthur writes:
> It is covered in detail here:
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_1566000/1566715.stm
>
> ==+==
> The country has a population of six million, but there are estimated to be
> at least two million publicly-owned firearms, including about 600,000
> automatic rifles and 500,000 pistols.
>
> This is in a very large part due to Switzerland's unique system of national
> defence, developed over the centuries.
>
> Instead of a standing, full-time army, the country requires every man to
> undergo some form of military training for a few days or weeks a year
> throughout most of their lives.
>
> Between the ages of 21 and 32 men serve as frontline troops. They are given
> an M-57 assault rifle and 24 rounds of ammunition which they are required to
> keep at home.
>
> Once discharged, men serve in the Swiss equivalent of the US National Guard,
> but still have to train occasionally and are given bolt rifles. Women do not
> have to own firearms, but are encouraged to.
> ==+==
>
> But it is not perfect:
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_1566000/1566321.stm
Scott, thanks for the link and summary. But I hope that perfect isn't the only
way we can consider a system a success.
Chris
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Message has 2 Replies:
 | | Re: An armed society...
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| (...) The system is not to my liking on a number of levels... but I am no fan of national service. I wonder if the Swiss navy uses the same system? ;) Scott A (...) (25 years ago, 21-Jan-02, to lugnet.off-topic.debate)
| | | Re: An armed society...
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| (...) Interestingly, there was an article on BBC Radio 4 last night about crime control methods in Europe. Some facts about Switzerland: + Their crime rate is half the EU average (Switzerland is not part of the EU) + Their police force is around the (...) (25 years ago, 22-Jan-02, to lugnet.off-topic.debate)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: An armed society...
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| (...) It is covered in detail here: (URL) country has a population of six million, but there are estimated to be at least two million publicly-owned firearms, including about 600,000 automatic rifles and 500,000 pistols. This is in a very large part (...) (25 years ago, 21-Jan-02, to lugnet.off-topic.debate)
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