In re David Frum’s piece on Sweden: There is much more to Sweden than meets

the eye. In some Corner exchanges a few months ago, I learned that the

Swedes are fonder of their national flag than just about anybody, and fly it

proudly at the slightest opportunity. Also, someone recently told me — and

I may have this garbled, so will welcome correction — that while military

service is voluntary in Sweden, if you choose not to do it, you are

thereafter ineligible for government employment and some state benefits.

Jan Morris, in one of her travel books, washes up in Stockholm and goes on

about how much she detests the dull, smug bourgeoisity of the place, yet

allows that the Swedes seem pretty happy with it all.