Ah, Teribus, I did admit right up front that the ditty is simplistic. And I will happily accept the "outer limits of idiocy" label too, inasmuch as that the idealism required to get us out of the spiral would border on madness, practically speaking. So I think we agree. But the main point I wanted to make - that the cause is greed of some form or other - is valid.

I know we crossed pens (keyboards?) on this recently, so I'd better explain a little more: I contend that armies exist largely for one of two reasons: Either to conquer/obtain more resources/land/power over others, or to protect that which is already "ours". In other words, it is all about property/owning/having. Even religious wars are about either protecting the beliefs we have or forcing them on others (power over others). There might be some exceptions to this, hence my use of the word "largely".

Therefore the only way to do without armies is to espouce the bankrupt idealism of "no ownership"; indeed, to do so collectively(!). I believe this is impractical. Therefore - we are buggered/stuck with the need for armies...

But - while I am practical, and not about to lower my fence in case my neighbour covets part of my garden, I can still hanker after an ideal world. Grant me that. Dreams cost nothing after all.