So much to dissect there. But I think we have beat it to death for a message board! And yes, EVERY single CENTRAL authority/Government War as far back as history goes was funded by printed money (or clipped coins). There are no exceptions. As Government became more centralized and bigger, so did the wars! To Jason's point, the winner often had the technology advantage. Think gunpowder (which is a fascinating history since the major power of the time REJECTED the technology). On your thought about Jason not responding (even though the author did finally read the book), it's very hard to have a conversation with someone about physics if they have not studied physics. Nutrition is another example, it's SO stinkin' complex, it's hard to have ANY conversations! Simple definitely does not work.