My opinion is that we lose our freedoms, those granted under the Constitution, by POLITICIANS.
Not from other nations. It's ALWAYS political operatives, whether elected or un-elected bureaucrats who feel free to give away things they never earned or had a right to do so..
Just my opinion.
I see Starlight's point. Take the war of 1812 for example, or either of the world wars. Had we not been prepared militarily we would likely been speaking fluent German or The King's English.
Of course, we cannot prove beyond shadow of doubt so it is ALL conjecture at this time.
DO not be deceived though. The OATHS of military personnel and politicos includes enemies both FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC (within)...
In our case today, we have an ABUNDANCE within...
In our military we had a way of dealing with traitors that was quick, and didn't cost much. Granted, this goes back a little bit in time, but it was effective.
I would be in favor of bringing that back and then clean out the SWAMP of creatures who are not at all interesting of putting America and it's citizens first.