Author: R. Alan Harrop, Ph.D harropcrew1@gmail.com
Having derived our essential culture from the Western Civilization of Europe, we may be able to learn something from what they are experiencing at this time. Last week’s election held in all of the countries of the European Union demonstrated a clear political shift to the right, that is, what we call conservatism. This is long overdue. Let’s take a look at the issues that are behind this shift, and perhaps we can learn something before we make the same mistakes.
Immigration was undoubtedly the most important issue for Europeans in this election. European countries received 5.1 million immigrants in 2022, which was an increase of 117% over 2021. The numbers keep rising. Germany, the UK, France, and Italy are the most targeted countries by illegals. Along with this out of control immigration, the crime rates are going up dramatically. Murder, sexual assault, and robbery are up in some cases in double digits. Since 2018, Sweden has experienced over 800 bombings and a substantial increase in gang violence. Sexual offenses have gone up over 75% over the past few years. Countries like France have designated “No Go Zones” warning French citizens that those designated areas are unsafe for French citizens. A country can only admit a limited number of people from other countries with different cultures without substantially altering their own culture. I lived in Germany for two and a half years as a member of the U.S. Army in the late 1960s. I assure you that since that time the German culture has been significantly altered by the admission of Turks and others from the Middle East.
One of the reasons that some European countries have allowed, and in some cases encouraged immigration, is to offset their declining birthrates. It takes 2.1 children per adult woman to just maintain a country’s population from one generation to the next. Over the past several years the birthrate in Europe has been declining and is now at 1.46 which is insufficient to maintain their populations. The birthrate of immigrants is typically about 35% higher. The birthrate in the United States is now at 1.66 which is the lowest on record. If not changed, this will result in fewer young people to support an increasing older population. The empire of Rome experienced a similar phenomenon which most historians believe contributed to their ultimate decline and overthrow.
Another item that contributed to the move to more conservative candidates In Europe is frustration with the so-called “green agenda.” The rising cost of energy, subsidies for ineffective wind and solar energy, and the attack on traditional farming are increasingly being rejected in Europe. This past winter, Germany had to reopen coal fired electricity generating plants because solar and wind were inadequate. The people of Europe recognize the need for abundant and cheap energy to sustain their standard of living.
We have an opportunity on November 5th to take a stand against these same issues that are destroying our country. Donald Trump is absolutely correct when he says America is in decline. We must turn things around if we are to preserve this country.