General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Europe - migrants - Cologne attacks - The comments section on this Guardian article... [View all]scarletwoman
(31,893 posts)I've been pretty much a lifelong believer in cultural autonomy - that is, I've always believed that people who are united by a shared language and traditions ought to be free to govern themselves as they see fit, as long as they are not interfering in any other group's freedoms.
Therefore, I've long supported the Kurdish aspiration for their own state based in their traditional homelands. I supported the idea of the various countries, once subsumed under Soviet rule, to achieve their independence. I support the idea of sovereignty for all the various indigenous tribes of North America and their rights to preserve their cultural heritage and traditional governance on the lands left to them by treaty. I support the right of Ireland to be free of British rule. I supported the idea of Scottish independence - contingent upon whether they actually voted for it. Although the vote for independence lost, I still support their right to have made the decision they made.
I therefore also support the right of European nations to preserve and protect their cultural heritage, language, and traditions. If newcomers are not willing to respect and adapt to the long-standing cultures of their hosts, then they need to be shown the door.