A journalist once told me via email, "France is toast" in regards to its large (and largely un-integrated) Muslim population. If this is correct, then how far behind is Great Britain regarding the issue of Sharia law? The New Criterion discusses this question here. We've certainly seen this debate creep up here in Canada. Quebec so far is standing its ground. The other provinces, well, they're another breed altogether. They are more prepared to "examine" it.
Indeed, there is nothing wrong with saying, "look, it's nothing personal. But this is how we do things here. Don't like it? What can we say?"Since we're on the topic of Muslims in the West, these pictures came to be by email. One can dismiss them and rationalize in whatever manner we choose but words and pictures say a lot. Very lot.
The thing that is most disturbing (especially in lieu of these most flattering photos) is that many Britons of Muslim heritage were born in the splendid isle. It's easy to look at these through a Western prism and dismiss these fine folks as quacks. However, something tells me they mean business. Conversely, it's just as easy for us to delve into reactionary impulses (as in generalizing) in dealing with this. "Invade their countries!" just ain't gonna cut it. This problem will take the full force of our enlightened sensibilities and thoughtfulness to solve. It will take will and commitment not just militarily (unfortunately) but one of constant and persistent engagement.Note: Observe the English police officer. Oh, the ironies revealed by this photo! What more proof of our tolerance can one get?
Commentator, great site. I have been threatening to immigrate to Canada for decades. If McCain wins, my house goes on the market and I'm looking for a new home up north. I love that photo of the protester and the British police officer. Our cops use tazers on people politely protesting anywhere any time--kind of cuts down on the protest.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my site. Your comments are so thoughtful and intelligent. Come back often, please
Thanks for the invite and the kind words.
ReplyDeleteCanada has its own problems that's for sure. I don't know if the grass is necessarily greener but there is one noticeable difference: things are indeed calmer here. But that's a function of the fact that we're a small fish in a big sea. I have friends who left Canada to go to the States for better opportunities.
I guess both countries have something to offer for different types of people. It's a shame we've not been able to join forces to make our positives work better. It seems we import each others negatives.
I'm afraid our officers are just as tazer happy up here. They've even resulted in deaths.