33 The military in a democracy exists to protect thenation and the freedoms of its people. It must not repre-sent or support any particular political viewpoint or eth-nic or social group. Its loyalty is to the larger ideals ofthe nation, to the rule of law, and to the principle ofdemocracy itself. Democracy may be a word familiar to most, but it isa concept still misunderstood and misused at a timewhen dictators, single-party regimes, and military coupleaders alike assert popular support by claiming themantle of democracy.
Mesa County, Colorado (CO) County population in 2014: 148,255 (87% urban, 13% rural); it was 116,255 in 2000. County owner-occupied with a mortgage or a loan houses and condos in 2010: 29,788. County owner-occupied free and clear houses and condos in 2010: 11,718.
Skagit Countyâs population is estimated to be 119,500 in 2014. Its total growth from 2004 to 2014 was 10.1 percent, lower than the 12.2 percent growth rate for the state over the same period. The largest city in Skagit County is Mount Vernon (population 33,170 in 2014), up 18.8 percent in 10 years.