Question of Islam or Democracy

Submitted by trans-parere (Canada), Nov 15, 2006 at 18:41

In my opinion it's about Islam trying to assert itself over democracy, moderate social religious values and non-industrial and industrial modality. Steyn also fails to identify the differences in types of migrants to Europe and America. Islamist migrating to Europe come mostly from failed islamic states post colonialization and came in great numbers.

Greater numbers than employment needs existed or could absorb. In America, including Canada, there is employment for those who want it and immigration is not greater than either can absorb. I don't understand his reference to welfare. Welfare doesn't make a country weak. That's been a republican rant for years to keep back medicare and other social care programs. Countries that institute social nets have no greater number of unemployed or show any moral weakness or lack any conviction.

In Europe and especially France Islamist have ghettoized and refused available employment and are demanding better jobs and a greater role for Islam in local governance. They are playing a numbers game to extort rather than earn. In Britian same game but, more politicalized. Australia, social politics, especially around womens rights and Islamic dress codes for women and several Muslim on "white" gang rapes. In Canada it's a never ending nag by students or some workers, to incorporate and institutionalize Islam into workforce or education centres. Especially that others should pay for and make room for Islamic prayer five times a day and that the Islamist should not loose grade time or pay for these times outside of class or work.

It's no different in the U.S. it's a power game and will not end if the people and the goverments of democracies don't quit focusing on the religion and enforce and reenforce democracy and their national values in law. Muslims believe that they have a right to rule over the unbeliever and their societies even though they have never contributed to it's development. In the west Islamist will have to change or pay the price of their unwillingness to reform a religion developed in and by a non industrial mindset.

Essentially, Islam is entering the industrial era and there is no provision provided by the Koran and no forward thinking coming from the Islamic leaders. Thinking for yourself is not a Islamic trait. They are threatened by the western concept of independence and this drives them to cling ever strongly to the comfort of their authoritarian rule. Same thing happened with the Russians (post communist regime) with many soviets wanting a return to Stalinist type rule knowing the worst of that existence.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".