I almost can't believe it. Could this be the beginning of a belated attempt to bring Europe back from the perilous process of Islamization? I'm not sure how much it will help, if they don't start having more kids it won't make a difference. I'm telling you, think Lebanon in the 80's, urban fighting, stuff like that.
Indeed, Ploumen says, "Integration calls on the greatest effort from the new Dutch. Let go of where you come from; choose the Netherlands unconditionally." Immigrants must "take responsibility for this country" and cherish and protect its Dutch essence.
Not clear enough? Ploumen insists, "The success of the integration process is hindered by the disproportionate number of non-natives involved in criminality and trouble-making, by men who refuse to shake hands with women, by burqas and separate courses for women on citizenship.
"We have to stop the existence of parallel societies within our society."
And the obligations of the native Dutch? Ploumen's answer is, "People who have their roots here have to offer space to traditions, religions and cultures which are new to Dutch society" - but without fear of expressing criticism. "Hurting feelings is allowed, and criticism of religion, too."
The whole article is at IHT. And this is coming from the Left--not some ultra conservatives.
Maybe the intercession of St Plechelm, patron of the Netherlands, is having some effect?
5 comments:
hey
The core problem that seems to be addressed in this article (from what I gleaned from it) seem squarely centered on cultures that are extreme---sometimes even according to Muslim or Arab standards!---in regards to being prone to violence, intolerance, preaching and promotion of hate, and a number serious social obstacles (like the burqa). I don't see any concerns regarding other more moderate cultures in the Netherlands, for example, which are threatening to Dutch society (except Islam, or its extremes).
Therefore, one can argue that if there is this one culture that is divisive and threatening to Dutch society, and one that is unable or unwilling to integrate within it, then a case can be made that such a culture is to be banned in the Netherlands on the ground that it is a national security threat---namely, promotion of hate literature by such Muslims (like antisemitism and the killing of Jews stated in Muslim literature like the Hadiths), and the beliefs they have that show they are unwilling to accept Dutch culture. I think that a number of Muslim cultures (though perhaps not all) can be disqualified on such grounds.
The Dutch people can't just take this lying down and being walked all over. They need clear laws that outlaw certain extreme cultures. That's the bottom line.
Hi Rabbi, ahlan wa sahlan.
Samuel: I think you are right, I mean, I don't see this as being anti-Islam across the board at all, which would be entirely unfair. But certain aspects of Islamic cultures are really like oil and water with W. European culture.
That's right, Abu Daoud, since even if we go by more normal Muslim Arab cultures these jihadist cultures are anathema and are frowned upon as being 'backward' and 'primitive.' So there is a fair number of modernized Muslims out there who can live in places like Europe without causing fear or resentment among the natives. Unfortunately, the extremists are making life difficult for everybody: for themselves (suffering the backlash of discrimination), for the moderate Muslim (by religious association), and for the European natives who worry about their safety from terrorism of jihadist Islamists.
The one thing that makes it even more difficult for the more moderate Muslims is that they generally agree with the jihadist Islamists, not on religion, but on politics. That's the catch that they fall into, which ties them up, even if unfairly, with terrorists. Difficult and complex issue.
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