When we say that there is a problem with Islam, or a problem with Islamic terrorists, do you feel it's necessary to say that not all Muslims are terrorists or that some parts of the Islamic world are quite peaceful. Do these qualifications still have to be made after all these years? Do you sincerely believe that no one understands that by now?
When I overhear several Americans in a bus in Oregon, asking "why can't we just nuke these sangniggers and towelheads, why can't we just bomb Mecca and be done with it", when I read of people in Western countries protesting against the right of Muslims to worship in mosques, when I see people proposing public Quran burnings, when native Westeners commit arson attacks against mosques and Muslim community houses ... hell yes! You can't even say it often enough!
If we were to say there is a problem in the "Black community" I doubt most people would feel the need to say that "not all Blacks are a problem" or that the crime of "Blackophobia" is being committed. The same goes for any community that is a part of society. We should be sophisticated enough to understand the differences by now, and in most of the world I believe that's the case..
Well, maybe I am wrong, but everyday anew, I see evidence to the contrary. Most people do not make this difference. They simply hate Muslims. Not even for the reasonable, understandable reasons, but often enough, because they simply are xenophobes and racists who complain about anybody who spoils their racial and cultural purity.
In my opinion, the number of these people by far outnumbers the problematic Muslims.
It might be the case where Europeans aren't all that experienced in dealing with folks with another set of values based on a different set of religious beliefs. You seem to believe that the best way to incorporate those with different beliefs into your cultural community is to just accept them with a smile, let them follow their own rules and adapt your rules to theirs, offer up the multicult platitudes and then hide in your homes when the problems inevitably begin.
In case you have read my other postings above, you know that's not what I believe. I'm not opposed to tough measures against real troublemakers, as long as we rather use a scalpel than a sledgehammer.
On the other side, I'm not so pessimistic about the power of pluralistic and individualist thought within our society, as some seem to be. The Western way of life has already made the East Bloc collapse, mostly by good example and attractiveness. And then, people don't think immigrants will realize the opportunities the Western way of life offers, when given a chance? (Note again: I don't believe that carrot alone will do the trick. For the few remaining troublemakers, a stick is just fine.)
I'm Canadian and have lived, worked and traveled all over the US. I know a great deal more about the United States than you do. Let's stick to the discussion at hand.
I believe you know more about life in the US than I do. Never claimed otherwise. No need to get codescending, I was just asking questions. I notice you said "no".
Germany seems to have gone from one extreme to another. What Germans consider to be a "no go" is only more political correctness, which is one of the greatest scourges of the age. I have no interest in your no go areas, or anyone elses for that. It emasculates discussion.
You may be right. On the other side, I really hope the continously lowered threshhold of civility and respect in the US debate will not cause severe problems for you in the future. I like to think a sane middle way is preferable.
You're obviously in no position to do that anyway.
Yeah, I know you don't like Europeans. Sorry for that. I forgot that lack of respect is common sense in America, which is what we're talking about.
(Sorry, couldn't resist. No hard feelings, really.)
It's is not a 'trivial' thing but neither is it as high on the agenda right now as the economy, or governmental corruption and debt. That's probably because a good job is being done in ridding the world of the more outspoken Islamic leaders and terrorist supporters, though we also have to do that domestically as well when they riot or suggest a form of Sharia law be introduced.
It is still a 'thing' though, a seriously worrisome thing in many areas of the world, and certainly worthy of discussion.
I don't know, I find the reaction of some people hysteric. For example, Oklahoma recently had a bill to vote on, which was banning the introduction of Sharia law in that state. 80% or so of the voters of course voted "yes". But how many Muslims are there in Oklahoma anyway? Some say they were six, their dog being the seventh. Others say, they were eight, their dog was the ninth.