And from Dick Cheney…

On December 18th, 2007 at 5:41 pm, BlameAmericaLast said:

That is why I read transcripts more than I watch video — I can’t stand to listen to her or a lot of other politicians.

Please know that!

I am from the South, and trailor trash means…….well, you know!

I wonder why it’s out now. Not waiting for the general election, or maybe just putting out the trailer. h/t Michelle…

Usually when one talks about the perfect storm he is discussing a unique weather phenomenon. There is, however, another type of perfect storm and the world is watching it unfold in Europe. This social storm occurs when an out of control cradle-to-grave welfare state meets uncontrolled immigration.

Take for example, Denmark. The Danes embraced liberal socialism in the late 1920s, and created a welfare system where virtually no one had to struggle to survive. Many Europeans saw the Danes as free-thinking, progressive and generous. For decades, Denmark boasted low crime rates, devotion to the environment, a excellent education system and a generosity that extended to anyone regardless of citizenship. As the model socialist welfare state, Denmark provided new immigrants with a financial subsidy and additional support in transportation, housing and education. Denmark was tolerant, inclusive and multicultural. But the storm clouds were brewing.

By the 1990′s, the Danes were forced to come to grips with a growing urban Muslim population that was unwilling to integrate into Danish society. Muslims congregated in exclusive enclaves and increasingly protested the decadence of Denmarks’ liberal way of life. (Notably, while Muslim immigrants constitute about 4% of Denmark’s population of 5.4 million people, they consume 40% of the welfare spending. Muslim leaders harass and attack Jews. Muslim converts to Christianity have been murdered. Even some of Denmark’s elected politicians have been attacked. In a sinister cultural twist, Muslims make up a majority of the nation’s convicted rapists.) Denmark was suddenly faced with a clash of cultures and a looming financial crisis.
Looking at the broad sweep of European history, the Danes had put concerns about human rights ahead of concerns about the Danish nation and its heritage and culture. Suddenly, the question for Denmark, and England, France, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and other European nations was what to do. Liberal socialism was failing. The Danes reacted by electing a more conservative government, and now Denmark has the strictest immigration policies in Europe. To become a Danish citizen, an immigrant must attend three years of language classes, and pass a test on Denmark’s history, culture, and language. An immigrant must also live in Denmark for 7 years before applying for citizenship, and demonstrate an intent to work or have a job waiting. An immigrant bringing a spouse into Denmark must meet an adult age requirement and will not be able to freely bring in the rest of the family. Islamic children have a choice of some 30 Arabic culture and language schools in Denmark, but they are encouraged to assimilate into Danish society. The law prohibits mosques from being built in Copenhagen.
Has any of this quelled the perfect storm? Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like it. Islam’s leaders are not about to give up the beachhead they have established on the territory of the crusaders, and Islam’s followers are aggressive and often violent in defending their right not to assimilate. (Frankly, the legal restrictions on immigration are more in the nature of accommodation and control rather than confrontation. Looking closely at the Danish approach, it does not actually stop immigration. It merely places some limits on obtaining citizenship. The role of enforcing immigration law falls on a police force that operates in an open liberal society that does not enforce its borders.)

Europe’s attempts to grapple with uncontrolled immigration and self-alienating immigrants provides a good lesson for America. American politicians are constantly creating new welfare benefits with little or no restrictions as to who can use them. For example, Virginia’s Governor Kaine (D) supports tuition breaks for the children of illegal aliens, even though this comes at the expense of Virginia taxpayers and the educational opportunities for children of Virginia’s citizens. The Congress has recently gutted the funding and requirements associated with the Southern border fence. It appears that America’s leaders have not learned that appeasement is dangerous and potentially ruinous. To some extent, America is fortunate. The uncontrolled immigrants who come here have at least a similar religious heritage. Nevertheless, the perfect storm is on the way, and the lessons from Europe’s Islamic problem had best be examined, understood and acted upon.