to Octavio

Submitted by Sidda (United States), Feb 28, 2006 at 10:12

Octavio, I do agree that Europeans need to rediscover their Christian faith. They need to believe in something greater than their personal comfort and what entitlements they can get from the "government" (which of course is the taxpayers--there is no "free" anything)...

You are right that your governments need to get control of the illegal immigration. I know that's much easier said than done. Here in America it is a big political issue; Democrats and Republicans both want the votes, and Republicans want the cheap labor. But, nobody is looking out for the guy who obeyed the law, waited in line, jumped through all the hoops and spent all the money to come in legally. Nobody is looking out for the blue collar worker who is having his wages lowered by people who will work under the minimum wage. Nobody is looking out for the average citizen. I imagine it is the same in Europe. Politicians would sell their mother's soul for power.

I am coming from an American perspective, so I will try not to be presumtuous. But, I think Europeans need to have a paradigm shift in their thinking. Stop apologizing for who you are. Stop feeling ashamed of European achievements. Yes, tolerance is a good thing and is a hallmark of Western values; but, you are under NO OBLIGATION to commit cultural suicide to prove your tolerance. Tolerance is a two-way street. If someone doesn't like the hot cross buns, well then they don't have to eat them. Problem solved. And don't apologize. Don't be afraid to be unpopular. Vote in politicians who will not be afraid to support stricter immigration policies; worry about other political issues later. Consider cutting off or cutting down benefits to illegals. In the U.S., we don't have as much entitlements as in Europe. In general, no work, no eat; although we do have safety nets (unemployment benefits, temporary welfare, food stamps, etc.) But, here the magnet for immigrants is jobs, in Europe it is the free benefits. Turn off the magnet.

Is there any political action group you can join? Sometimes things can get to us when we feel we have no control over our situation. Sometimes just being proactive in some small way returns a bit of that feeling of control to our lives to us and lessens our anxiety level. Good luck.

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