The state was unable to financially support enough legionary troops (especially with the loss of Spain and North Africa), and unable to convert its unarmed populace for self-defense in a timely manner. [More]What is it that's necessary to the security of a free state again...?
And why it it that some would have us believe eviscerating that is "reasonable"?
This link is a few years old, but it contains a lesson that is timeless.
[Via cycjec]