I'm still not totally convinced.

Submitted by seekeroftruth (Italy), Nov 12, 2005 at 09:21

I realize that I didn't explain myself fully in my last message. However, after having read Mr. Pipes' response as well as some other opinions, I'm still not totally convinced that the recent violence in France can be attributed exclusively, or even for the most part, to Islamic terrorism.

What most Americans don't realize about the contemporary situation in the European Union, and I'm speaking as an American ex-pat living in an EU country (not France), is that for years European governments of both the left and right have allowed millions of immigrants in since THEY pay for the pensions of Europeans! Europe's population is aging and dwindling, so the "best way" to pay the pensions was to let in all these immigrants so they would pay into the pension system WITHOUT getting any benefits for themselves if they decided to leave and return to their countries of origin. As a child or grandchild of these immigrants, wouldn't I feel some rage and desire to strike back at the system?

We also need to look at the history of French colonialism in Asia and Africa which was far worse than what the British had done in their ex-colonies. At least the British tried to instill a sense of rule of law, constitutionalism, and fair play. One need only remember Mahatma Gandhi and how he used the British system to further the rights of Indians in South Africa as well as further the cause of Indian independence later on. Absolutely no such ideas were left by the French in their colonies and one needs only to look at what took place in Rwanda 11 years ago to understand my idea. Let's also not forget the terrible French legacy in Indo-china with the US' subsequent involvement there.

Please don't misunderstand me! I'm not trying to defend the violence in France or those who have started and spread it. But I don't think we need to blame Islamic terrorism exclusively for this round of troubles, though it certainly has been responsible in many other cases. If you still feel that I'm wrong, I would appreciate articles to prove me as such or I'll have to conclude there is truth in what I'm saying.

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