mmm, yeah

The concern is that significant parts of European cities exist as “parallel societies”. There is not a shared identity and so there is not a common citizenship. Politicians are concerned that if communities do not relate to each other it is easy for rumour and prejudice to flourish.

Not to mention Car-B-Cues.

The French are currently debating national identity and emphasizing “core values”. The French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, has said that all beliefs are respected in France, but “becoming French means adhering to a form of civilisation, to values, to morals”.

What he failed—again—to say is OUR morals.  “Honor” killings follow a set of “morals,” twisted, sick morals.  Keep workin’ on that, Jaque.

The French Immigration Minister, Eric Besson, said “we must reaffirm the values of national identity and of the pride in being French”. He wants the Marseillaise to be sung as often as possible and the French flag flown. A parliamentary commission is looking into banning the burka - the veil that covers everything but the eyes. The French president has already given his view that “France is a country where there is no place for the burka”.

3… 2… 1… “Raaaaacist!!”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that “British people want to be assured that newcomers will accept the responsibilities as well as the rights that come with living here, obeying the law, speaking English, and making contributions”.

...across Europe, there is an active debate as to whether more should be asked of migrants to embrace the societies they are joining.

That’s one EU-trend I wouldn’t mind emulating.  “Diversity” comes from the Latin for “division.” America grew out of E pluribus unum:  Out of many, one.

Time to say it again, DougM:

Those who come to America to be one of us are immigrants.
Those who come to America to steal our stuff or make us like them are invaders.