Minarets in Switzerland

[Grog]

As "visitors" to your country, you'd think they'd be a little more careful about what they do. Maybe they don't fear being deported enough.

I am not quite sure what you mean, but certainly "immigrants" are not "visitors" and the children of "immigrants" in most countries are called "citizens" and should definitely not have to fear deportation. (To say nothing of naturalized immigrants.) Immigration is crucial for the future of Western countries, if only because we have a lot more old people than young people, and someone needs to work and keep the economy going. Countries like Canada and a number of European countries have assertive immigration policies, and depend on the influx of people from other countries.

I am not Muslim, but if I was, I would think twice before posting to this thread. This is not an easy topic to address, even more so if one feels personally connected to it (as Papaver and LPH mention).

I definitely do not agree with it, but I can very well understand how Islam became radicalized these last few years, and how the opposite point of view is getting equally radical, and how the escalation is hurting all of us. It worries me quite a bit, actually.

[papaver]

I definitely do not agree with it, but I can very well understand how Islam became radicalized these last few years, and how the opposite point of view is getting equally radical, and how the escalation is hurting all of us. It worries me quite a bit, actually.

It worries me a lot too. Because for now, there is no solution.

I want to point out that I'm not against Islam. Nor any other religion. But I'm saddened by the fact that some individuals abuse their religion to show their disrespect to others. Aggression leads to more aggression, and where does it all end? It's sad because hundreds of years ago, Islam was very respectful towards women. A lot more than catholicism was in those days. I have no problem with women chosing for a veil, but unfortunately at least 50% are forced into wearing one. And that's 50% too many.

[Tuckervill]

I am not quite sure what you mean, but certainly "immigrants" are not "visitors" and the children of "immigrants" in most countries are called "citizens" and should definitely not have to fear deportation. (To say nothing of naturalized immigrants.) Immigration is crucial for the future of Western countries, if only because we have a lot more old people than young people, and someone needs to work and keep the economy going. Countries like Canada and a number of European countries have assertive immigration policies, and depend on the influx of people from other countries.

I am not Muslim, but if I was, I would think twice before posting to this thread. This is not an easy topic to address, even more so if one feels personally connected to it (as Papaver and LPH mention).

I definitely do not agree with it, but I can very well understand how Islam became radicalized these last few years, and how the opposite point of view is getting equally radical, and how the escalation is hurting all of us. It worries me quite a bit, actually.

I believe absolutely SOMETHING should happen to large groups of men who surround and harass non-Muslim women [eta: and Muslim women for that matter] in Brussels, immigrants or not. If deportation is the answer, let them be deported. Even if it's just "verbal violence". What is wrong with their justice system?!?

If I were walking through a neighborhood in a large, densely populated city, say, like Memphis where I used to live, and had to run that gauntlet, you can bet I would be calling the police! Why give up and let it happen to the next person? Why let them get away with it? And WHY, instead of creating a whole category of what is basically "architectural discrimination" in your laws, why not enforce the existing laws designed to prevent violence and disturbing the peace?

That's my whole question.

And by the way, non-naturalized citizens, in the US at least, do not enjoy the complete smorgasbord of freedoms that the rest of us do. They can be deported. If the justice system has this option at their disposal, then I don't see the harm in using it when appropriate.

Karen