about the site

The name "Fortress Democracy" really sums up what I love about Switzerland. If the US was "The Great Arsenal of Democracy" during the 20th century, then I submit that less interventionist countries such as Switzerland can best serve the cause of humanity by becoming fortress democracies. The point is to lead by example, rather than to force your system of government on others (I make no judgement as to which is better).

With one of the highest standards of living in the world, a degree of personal freedom not often found in Europe (where else can you smoke in your office?), and a great urban landscape for the city dweller in all of us, Switzerland has a lot to offer. As an IT professional for a large swiss bank, I have traveled here often and witnessed its change from a sleepy banking backwater to one of the most progressive and exciting cities in central europe. I currently live in Kreis 4.

Other names considered for this site: "Röstfrei", after the inscription at the base of every Victorinox blade. (As a kid I wielded this giant swiss army knife that was the envy of all the other Boy Scouts.)

"HundBegrabä": you won't find this in any dictionary, but it's one of my favourite expressions in Swiss German. If someone wants to get to the heart of the matter, they will say "da lit da Hund Begrabä", which means literally "that's where the dog is buried".

Pictured above is the rear of a sculpture in the Niederdorf, up on the hill north of Bellevue.