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Those are very good points about the transformation of the military with the emergence of mercantile capitalism... and I think if we follow through on that transformation into the 19th century and 20th century, we can see the military transformed into a national institution, one embodying the class contradictions within itself. Does or can the whole military go over to the revolution, which I think is the pint you are raising about centralized command and other units being available to put down rebel units? Maybe no, maybe yes. But really, does the entire WORKING CLASS go over to the revolution prior to a section, a big section, actually executes, actualizes the revolution? Maybe yes, maybe no... but in most cases probably not. Samey-same as we used to say back in the day. The whole point is to not let the military be separated from the stress and strains of the class struggle that pervade the rest of society. That's one reason, one big fat reason I think Marxists should be in favor of UNIVERSAL military service, yes, conscription, for everyone-- gays, heteros, confused, whatever-- rather than "volunteer" armies in bourgeois countries. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dan" <d.koech...@wanadoo.fr> ________________________________________________ Send list submissions to: Marxism@lists.econ.utah.edu Set your options at: http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/options/marxism/archive%40mail-archive.com
