Hail, Switzerland!
December 13, 2001

by Joe Sobran

Whenever I hear someone brag that America is "the
greatest country on earth," I want to ask, "Have you ever
been to Switzerland?"

Well, I have. I spent a whole week there once. Very
dull. No war, no international crisis, no crime, none of
the things that give life its savor for red-blooded
people like us. Nobody even knew who the president of the
country was. The Swiss have never even had a great
president. Their national hero is still that guy with the
crossbow. Their national pastime is yodeling.

I don't intend the blasphemous suggestion that
Switzerland is the Greatest Country on Earth, but it has
a fair claim to be the sanest. It has had less history
over the last thousand years than most African countries
have had in the last generation. You know the old Chinese
curse: "May you live in interesting times." The Swiss
have no memory of interesting times. They have a proud
history of not making history.

Switzerland sat out two world wars, for which it is
resented by the sort of people who think war is a duty.
The Swiss seem to feel that the rest of the world can
enjoy mutual slaughter perfectly well without them. They
have never joined the United Nations, NATO, or the
European Union. They are content to hunker down within
their sheltering Alps, while Americans will cross two
oceans, simultaneously if necessary, to get into a good
war. Nor do they have troops, battleships, submarines,
and military bases around the world. And no nukes.

In short, the Swiss are what all right-thinking
people have learned to call "isolationists." They have
stubbornly maintained their independence. As a result, an
awful lot of Swiss didn't die violent deaths in the
twentieth century.

Oh, by the way, the Swiss aren't afflicted by
terrorism. Osama bin Laden has probably never heard of
Switzerland, unless he stashes his money there. It may
not be the Greatest Country on Earth, but nobody calls it
the Great Satan, either.

Not that the Swiss aren't ready to defend
themselves. The men are required by law to serve in the
militia and to keep firearms in their homes. But when
they say "defense," they mean defense -- not empire, not
New World Order, not "global leadership."

They have a federal system of government, and in
Switzerland "federal" still, oddly enough, means
"decentralized." Each canton treasures its independence.
The national president has little power, little
opportunity to achieve "greatness." The Swiss franc is
one of the world's most stable currencies. Swiss banks
are the world's most secure vaults.

Naturally, a country like that, free, peaceful, and
prosperous, isn't going to be left alone. A few years ago
there was an outcry against Switzerland as a repository
of "Nazi gold," which turned out to be a scam, an attempt
to blackmail the Swiss. They were given a choice between
coughing up billions or facing international opprobrium
and sanctions. It later transpired that the Nazi gold was
mythical, the accusations a cynical smear campaign.

Independence is always hated by centralizers and
internationalists. The papacy is hated because the Pope,
unlike politicians and journalists, can't be bought or
bullied. Switzerland is hated because it remains aloof
from the "international community." I'd offer other
shining examples of resistance to the pressures of
internationalism, if I could think of any.

Switzerland has enjoyed the kind of history
Americans once hoped for. But while America has been
drawn back into the quarrels of the Old World its people
had hoped to escape, Switzerland has in effect managed to
secede from that world's strife without leaving the
continent. If you want excitement in Switzerland, you
just have to roll your own; the state won't provide it
for you. You can sum it up by saying Switzerland is a
country that has lost more lives in skiing accidents than
in war.

The story of Switzerland is the greatest political
success story of the modern world, yet we never hear
about it. Why not? Because it puts all other states to
shame. Most rulers want to Americanize their countries;
but if they really cared about their people's welfare --
lives, liberty, property, and all that -- they would try
to Swissify. It's a sign of the times that I am forced to
coin this indispensable verb.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~

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Whenever I hear someone brag that America is "the
greatest country on earth," I want to ask, "Have you ever
been to Switzerland?"
You can always apply for citizenship there if you dislike the USA so much and think it's so much better there.

That's a really dumb article. The real reason why Switzerland has managed to stay out of conflict is because no one is really interested in Switzerland. It's landlocked, it's almost completely in the high mountains, and beyond a lot of snow, there isn't much there that is valuable. So its neighbors, who are historical foes, were happy to leave Switzerland alone and use it as a buffer zone for many years. Today, they aren't fighting each other anymore, and Switzerland is basically irrelevant except as a center of banking and tourism. It's not because the Swiss have created Shangri-La.

If this guy loves Switzerland so much, he would really love Liechtenstein. There are plenty of people who don't like Switzerland, but nobody doesn't like Liechtenstein.

but nobody doesn't like Liechtenstein.

And even fewer can spell it...

You can always apply for citizenship there if you dislike the USA so much and think it's so much better there.

They don't have an open border policy like we do. The only foreigners who can work there have to have an EU passport and then its limited. Its really amazing though how the thought of peace and minding your own business could upset you so.

Like KenB says, go for it. After all, you're not really from the USA. I wonder if Switzerland would consider you if you tell them you're from the CSA.

From your intolerant bigot pal.

BTW - Have you ever had an original thought? I mean, you're really great at the cut and paste thing. But the paste you're using - Airplane glue? Maybe you should check the label.

Heil, Switzerland!


Its amazing what a small homogenous population can do for harmony.

one of my family friends is swiss, as i understand it you can only own land there if you are a citizen, its also almost impossible to become a citizen if you were not born one, i think america should take up this policy... that would work out really great, also osama has been to switzerland, i just can't find the picture of him and his family there that was passed around a few years ago...

its also almost impossible to become a citizen if you were not born one, i think america should take up this policy... that would work out really great..

Who would work in our restaurants, in many of our service jobs, in a lot of construction jobs, maintaining our lawns? :(

They don't have an open border policy like we do. The only foreigners who can work there have to have an EU passport and then its limited. Its really amazing though how the thought of peace and minding your own business could upset you so.
How on earth did you draw "Its really amazing though how the thought of peace and minding your own business could upset you so." from what I said?

From your posts here, it's clear to me that your hate for this country goes all the way back to the end of the Civil War. You need to accept that the Confederacy lost. All we have seen in your posts is vitriol directed at everyone and everything that does not agree with you completely. Your positions are so ridiculously radical in most cases that even the real bleeding hearts distance themselves from you. You're just as bad as GWB on the opposite end of the scale.

It is blatantly obvious that you care little for trying to change the country for the better, so I'll reiterate: If you hate this country so, and think that Switzerland does it so much better, then why not apply for citizenship there? I didn't say try to cross the border illegally. I said apply for citizenship. You'll probably be much happier there if they'll take you.

Who would work in our restaurants, in many of our service jobs, in a lot of construction jobs, maintaining our lawns? :(

I was being a bit sarcastic, i guess i shoulda done the sarcasm quote thingys but forgot...

How on earth did you draw "Its really amazing though how the thought of peace and minding your own business could upset you so." from what I said?

From your posts here, it's clear to me that your hate for this country goes all the way back to the end of the Civil War. You need to accept that the Confederacy lost. All we have seen in your posts is vitriol directed at everyone and everything that does not agree with you completely. Your positions are so ridiculously radical in most cases that even the real bleeding hearts distance themselves from you. You're just as bad as GWB on the opposite end of the scale.

It is blatantly obvious that you care little for trying to change the country for the better, so I'll reiterate: If you hate this country so, and think that Switzerland does it so much better, then why not apply for citizenship there? I didn't say try to cross the border illegally. I said apply for citizenship. You'll probably be much happier there if they'll take you.

I do not intend to go anywhere. I believe in constitutional government which we do not have now. My family has been in Virginia since 1623. Since you have no regard for the bill of rights nor limited constitutional government maybe you shoud leave. China or Russia would take you gladly.

I do not intend to go anywhere. I believe in constitutional government which we do not have now. My family has been in Virginia since 1623. Since you have no regard for the bill of rights nor limited constitutional government maybe you shoud leave. China or Russia would take you gladly.
"Since you have no regard for the bill of rights nor limited constitutional government..." LOL! Can you back that statement up? By all means, copy and paste from my past postings here.

You still didn't answer my question, which was:
How on earth did you draw "Its really amazing though how the thought of peace and minding your own business could upset you so." from what I said?

You can always apply for citizenship there if you dislike the USA so much and think it's so much better there.

I think it would be tragic if everyone who questioned The American Way (TM) had to move out of the country, lest conditions improve here.

I think it would be tragic if everyone who questioned The American Way (TM) had to move out of the country, lest conditions improve here.
I agree, but that wasn't what I said or implied. BB is extohling the virtues of Switzerland -- claiming that it is much better than the USA. His postings here back that up. It would be silly, IMO, to stick around somewhere you hate so much, when a much more suitable alternative exists.

Personally, I'd rather work positively to change things here because, IMO, there is no better place to live.

I've only lived in the United States, but I think it is a great place as well. I think BB was making a point that America would be a better place if we were more neutral. What do you think of that assertion?

I've only lived in the United States, but I think it is a great place as well. I think BB was making a point that America would be a better place if we were more neutral. What do you think of that assertion?

That is exactly what was meant by the post my friend. Has usual, KenB missed it altogether just like moneyman. But what would one expect from the party faithfull?

I've only lived in the United States, but I think it is a great place as well. I think BB was making a point that America would be a better place if we were more neutral. What do you think of that assertion?
I agree with that 100%. My postings here bear that out.

That is exactly what was meant by the post my friend. Has usual, KenB missed it altogether just like moneyman. But what would one expect from the party faithfull?
I'm a libertarian.

Will you ever answer my questions?

I agree with that 100%. My postings here bear that out.

If you agree with that then why the personal attack toward me? I bear you no ill will. I can respectfully disagree with you. If you are a libertarian then you should get the message of the post that big government and international strong arming is not a good thing. I still believe we could learn a lot from the Swiss when it comes to international affairs.
Have a good day

World's perfect foreign policy

Nuke 'em all; the short, fat, and the tall. Let god sort 'em out.

If you agree with that then why the personal attack toward me? I bear you no ill will. I can respectfully disagree with you. If you are a libertarian then you should get the message of the post that big government and international strong arming is not a good thing. I still believe we could learn a lot from the Swiss when it comes to international affairs.
Have a good day
Follow the thread back to my initial response. It wasn't an attack. It was a chance for you to make a statement other than a cut and paste -- to back up what you pasted. Instead, you assumed that I was 'against' you, either from the right or left. You exhibit this behavior consistently and it bothers me because it takes away from the 'message'. THAT is why I pressed the issue.

In other words, IMO, your approach does more damage to the libertarian cause than good.

Follow the thread back to my initial response. It wasn't an attack. It was a chance for you to make a statement other than a cut and paste -- to back up what you pasted. Instead, you assumed that I was 'against' you, either from the right or left. You exhibit this behavior consistently and it bothers me because it takes away from the 'message'. THAT is why I pressed the issue.

In other words, IMO, your approach does more damage to the libertarian cause than good.

Once again Ken, I am in basic agreement with the way the Swiss handle foreign policy. I liked the article. If you are in diagreement then please tell us why and with what part. How can we as Libertarians make things better if we are not on the offensive pointing out the unconstitutional behaviour of the federal government? This is not a flame, I just wonder how? There is no way the Republican or Democratic party can be reformed by being "nice" to them. I am sorry I misunderstood you by thinking you were attacking me. I hope you will accept my apology.

Once again Ken, I am in basic agreement with the way the Swiss handle foreign policy. I liked the article. If you are in diagreement then please tell us why and with what part. How can we as Libertarians make things better if we are not on the offensive pointing out the unconstitutional behaviour of the federal government? This is not a flame, I just wonder how? There is no way the Republican or Democratic party can be reformed by being "nice" to them. I am sorry I misunderstood you by thinking you were attacking me. I hope you will accept my apology.
No apology is necessary.

IMO, attacking the problems by placing blame in a highly confrontational manner does nothing but put those being attacked into 'defense mode.' Your initial responses to me prove that point perfectly. You didn't hear my message at all.

Read the article... it's inflamatory to the majority of Americans. It makes most of us look like ignorant, arrogant fools and while that may be true to a degree, people don't like to be called out on it in such a negative way. It's not about being nice, it's about being positive and constructive.

I feel it is much more effective to point out the positives of a policy then offer suggestions for improving upon those policies to bring them more in line with how I think things should go. Again, I would hope that my posts here bear that philosophy out.

As to the whole issue of neutrality, while I think it'd be nice I also think it's a pipe dream in the world today. If we're going to trade with other nations, and have certain economic segments built around that trade, we are going to have to be involved in the politics of those nations we do business with. Sometimes, that involvment will mean we get tied up in conflicts that, on the surface, have little to do with us. Also, being a nation of immigrants, a good percentage of the population care deeply enough about what happens in their homeland to want to get involved there.

Compromise is the only answer to the problems we face as a nation.

No apology is necessary.

IMO, attacking the problems by placing blame in a highly confrontational manner does nothing but put those being attacked into 'defense mode.' Your initial responses to me prove that point perfectly. You didn't hear my message at all.

Read the article... it's inflamatory to the majority of Americans. It makes most of us look like ignorant, arrogant fools and while that may be true to a degree, people don't like to be called out on it in such a negative way. It's not about being nice, it's about being positive and constructive.

I feel it is much more effective to point out the positives of a policy then offer suggestions for improving upon those policies to bring them more in line with how I think things should go. Again, I would hope that my posts here bear that philosophy out.

As to the whole issue of neutrality, while I think it'd be nice I also think it's a pipe dream in the world today. If we're going to trade with other nations, and have certain economic segments built around that trade, we are going to have to be involved in the politics of those nations we do business with. Sometimes, that involvment will mean we get tied up in conflicts that, on the surface, have little to do with us. Also, being a nation of immigrants, a good percentage of the population care deeply enough about what happens in their homeland to want to get involved there.

Compromise is the only answer to the problems we face as a nation.

I felt the apology was needed because of an misunderstanding.
1. I thought the article was kind of light hearted and humorous. Just the difference in how
we read it I guess.
2. I can't find anything positive about U.S foreign policy under the Bush administration
to point out.
3. Neutrality is the only way. It may be a pipe dream but it is the only way to bring sanity
back to foreign policy and stop terrorism.
4. I am only concerned in seeing the federal government brought under its constitutional
limitations. We can't afford to be the worlds policeman nor does the fed have the
constituional authority to do so.
5. We've comprimised too much already imo. We're one terrorist attack away from
becoming a police state.

I hope we can agree to disagree

I hope we can agree to disagree
That's what it's all about. ;)

I enjoy the real dialog on this forum -- especially that which drives me crazy -- it shows that we're all pasionate about our country and that is a "Good Thing(TM)". If nothing else, it gives me a chance to hone my writing skills and evaluate my positions. I take no attack on my positions personally and will not engage in a battles that become personal. It's silly and I lose respect for posters that get involved them. Like OES has said, it's only politics.

That's what it's all about. ;)

I enjoy the real dialog on this forum -- especially that which drives me crazy -- it shows that we're all pasionate about our country and that is a "Good Thing(TM)". If nothing else, it gives me a chance to hone my writing skills and evaluate my positions. I take no attack on my positions personally and will not engage in a battles that become personal. It's silly and I lose respect for posters that get involved them. Like OES has said, it's only politics.
this pretty much sums it up for me as well. i don't understand why some people get so upset they complain someone should be banned or even the need for this "politics only" forum which, predictably, gets more action than the semi-dead non-cycling forum.

BTW - Have you ever had an original thought? I mean, you're really great at the cut and paste thing. But the paste you're using - Airplane glue?Talk about a lack of originality! :(