the solution?

Submitted by Sidda (United States), Feb 28, 2006 at 18:13

Octavio, I'm not sure what the solution for Europe is. There is a book out now entitled, "Menace in Europe: Why the Continent's Crisis is America's too" by Claire Berlinski. I have not read it yet, but I understand that it deals precisely with the issues you have raised.

I do not claim to be an expert in this matter by any stretch, but if you read my other post to you, there are some practical suggestions. I think these things must start at the grass roots level because I think your politicians and intellectual elites have sold you out.

I hestitate to say this because I certainly don't want to come off as condescending in any way. But, it's my opinion that Europeans (and I realize I am generalizing here) often seem to want to avoid confrontations. They appeased and appeased Hitler in the 1930's, and they seem to be doing the same with Islamists who have moved into their midst. I can't even begin to understand the psychology behind that. As an American, it is hard for me to put myself in your shoes. Having relatilves in France, they say Europe has fought so many wars that they are just worn out and so they don't want to confront any problems. It is easier to just retreat into their own little homes and shut the door and try to pretend everything is ok. But, then you have a problem because when you ignore a problem, it doesn't go away it just gets bigger.

Europe is in trouble now. There is no excuse for having entire cities within cities where the police dare not go. Part of the problem I think is that immigrants were allowed in, but not expected (or in some cases not allowed) to assimilate. I understand that in certain European countries immigrants are not even eligible to become citizens. In France, there are several generations of immigrants and they are not considered "French" yet. When one immigrates to America, becoming a citizen is ENCOURAGED. We are all immigrants here; no one has "American blood." We have always encouraged assimilation; although, that is changing somewhat because we have so many Mexicans flooding in right now and they are coming in faster than we can assimilate them. So, we need to get a workable immigration system. But, that's Mexicans, and they do not pose the same problem as the unassimilated Muslims in Europe.

Europe can deal with this problem, but the people need to pull their heads out of the sand first. They have to find the will to do what is necessary. Now, I will say this: any Muslim (or any immigrant at all) who is willing to abide by a country's secular law, and have respect for the host country's culture and tradition, and who is a productive tax paying citizen, should be welcomed and made a part of that country. However, those who want Islamic law, or who do not respect the culture of the host country should be shown the door without apology.

I am not a proponent of multiculturalism in general, but it really becomes a disaster when you allow immigrants in whose beliefs are antithetical to secular democracy and have contempt for the native population. People have to understand that this goes beyond "tolerance." You CANNOT extend tolerance to people who are intolerant because they will use it against you. So, set the rules for your country, and do not apologize for having them. Do Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia or Egypt or Iran apologize for making outsiders conform to their way of doing things? No! Deport fire breathing imams and don't feel guilty about it.

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