Nothing in his post that I quote refered to France ruling Britain. He made a good point however, France has a large, well equipped, military, yet doesn't feel the need to use it. Perhaps that's why Blackleaf feels as he does about France? Having never seen France in action (post-Gulf War of 90-91 that is), he assumes they're incapable?
As for cortex and his World views. Yes, they're somewhat strange, but everyone is entitled to their opinions, no matter how screwball they are. I'm not saying I agree 100% with the man, just on that one aspect of his post we're in agreement.
As for having a large army. You sound like the global village pre-World War I. The reality Daz is that a large military is invaluable to a Nation. It serves many purposes, not only combat, but humanitarian, disaster relief, promoting international sovreignty, etc. Also, with the way the World is today, a large Army isn't a bad thing. Lords know that right now in Canada there are those in Government wishing they'd not short-changed the Canadian Forces for decades, considering now we're in the middle of a War in Afghanistan, where a few extra thousand troops would be appreciated. Hindsight is 20/20 no?