November 04, 2005
Deeper thoughts on Burning Europe
A post covering this topic really deserves an essay. France is reaping what it has sown, and Britain & Germany are not far behind.
What we are witnessing is an object lesson of how one handles, and does not handle a pervasive threat to your civilization.
Americans, who the Europeans consider "naive" for their "rah-rah" patriotism and adherence to "quaint" beliefs about "inalienable rights", have found one way to deal with radical Islam. (Granted, we aren't burdened with Islamic immigration issues.)
Regardless of what one thinks our actions in Iraq & Afghanistan, our outward viewpoint has been made pretty clear. We will take "Islam" at its word that it is a "peaceful religion" as we happily engage in "regime change" of any parts of it that aren't peaceful.
Here in the US, we may have cranked down on Arab immigration, but still live happily with the numerous Muslim businesses, cab drivers, 7-11 owners, and anyone else willing to assimilate to our culture. It's called a melting pot, and it works.
The EU, on the other hand, is in thrall to an entirely different ideology. Having rejected the belief in the value of their own culture, they are incapable of reacting properly to culturally toxic (viral may be a better metaphor) situation of their own creation.
[A note on "VALUE" - The statement above - referencing the idea that the EU has rejected the belief in their own value, may cause some Euro-philes to react negatively. They would probably say that they value their culture just fine, but unlike us jingoistic Americans, they value other cultures "equally."I submit that to hold such a "value neutral" belief is cultural suicide (for the West), and that we are witnessing a slice of that suicide at this very moment in France.
Pardon me for saying so, but our culture (for all it's faults) is vastly superior to cultures that don't respect the individual. I'd take it one step further and argue that a "Post-Christian" and/or "post-Modern" culture is inferior to a culture whose mission statement is encapsulated in the opening paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence.
Hence, by being stupid enough to believe that an amalgam of 20th century socialism, Euro-Racism, and 12th century militarism cemented together by a subconscious inferiorty complex of massive proportions (a description of the "culture" rioting in France at the moment) is of "equal value" to the classical liberal democracy of the West, the post-modern EU intellectual class has "devalued" their own heritage to the degree that it is currently worthless.
The rioting youth are treating them accordingly.]
I've scanned the blogosphere this evening, and many of the posts indicate that Sarkozy, the only French politician willing to fight for the thin gruel of a "post-modern" culture France has to offer against the people he rightly calls "scum," is about to lose the battle.
If he does, it is an indicator that France is lost. I thought it would be 50 years before we called Europe "Eurabia." At this rate, it will be closer to 10.
Posted by Bruno Behrend at November 4, 2005 12:00 AM
Comments
Bruno --
Here is my take on the European predicament.
The riots in France, the suicide bombers in England and the coming violence elsewhere in Europe are the natural result of the European style of governance.
In America, we have a Republic based on four verities -- interclass mobility, geographic mobility, literacy and the primacy of the family unit as the most efficient unit of governance.
Interclass mobility is the American dream. The ability to better oneself through fair effort -- to acquire savings and then a homestead. It provides a continuous stream of value added within our economy. It depends upon the last three verities.
Geographic mobility is the ability to move from place to place, practice religion freely and take advantage of opportunity. No longer is a family stuck in place; aid is given on a temporary basis. A person continually given crutches forgets how to walk.
Literacy is the necessary condition for successful movement between classes in society and for communication in every new location.
The family unit provides the moral education and support systems necessary for fledglings to take flight.
The French system and those of the other socialist nations and some local governments here are designed to keep people in place and in their place, Geographic mobility is not available. Literacy is unremarked. In time and place there is no need for the language of the host country. The children see the dependence of the family on government subsidy. Fiery preachers offer sacrifice. There is no sense of oneness with the country
I believe that the demographics of the Muslim population in the United States may significantly differ from that in Europe Class stratified societies will always be at greater risk, especially where public housing crowds nationalities into enclaves. Radical preachers find willing ears and promise heavenly rewards. Looting provides temporary economic gains. There is in the words of the late German dictator no "lebensraum." Finally, there is in Europe a tradition -- not evident in the United States -- of nihilism
This is not to say that our society is insulated from terrorist risk. There are always familial connections back to the "old country." Our unique problem is the prison graduates converted to Islam some of whom may be radicalized.
The riots and the bombers provide us with special but unfortunate reasons why we must ensure that the four verities remain the essential philosophy underlying the American Republic.
Posted by: Pete at November 4, 2005 02:44 PM
10 years max to Eurabia and the need for a space-based defensive system.
Best get on the job now.
Posted by: ray at November 6, 2005 08:25 PM