This is very interesting.  After reading many of the posts in the comment sections from various sites, I find it interesting that many people are comparing Germany’s immigration problems and issues to the US.  Well, many of the things that I’ve read thus far have by no means been a “deep analysis” of the issue but I do think that it highlights a general consensus of fear-based mind sets that are common between both countries.

Interestingly, I believe that the difference between Germany and the US is that Germany is a country with a particular and distinct culture.  Let me explain this by saying that their ideas of nationalism and nationalistic freedom and pride are wrapped up in things like language, food, and distinct position on the map.  The US, however, is the only country in modern history solely founded upon principles.  We have a unique balance of nationalistic, political, and individual freedoms that are paralleled to no other country.  Once you become an American citizen, it is expected that you respect other citizen’s freedom to be themselves under our unique, living document of the constitution.  In Germany, you are a German outright through an anomaly of where you as a human were born and, ultimately, adopting the standard culture with your surroundings.

Now, as far as what Ms. Merkel says regarding the citizens of Germany must learn the national language, I totally agree.  That is part of their culture and their national heritage.  To me, the same importance must be emphasized here in America for our children (adults, too!) to learn and master the language of English.  This is, I believe, essential to one’s advancement in civilized society in the coming ages.

Now, the thing that I am strongly against and that was not shown in this clip is the portion of Ms. Merkel’s speech regarding the immigrant’s adoption of Christian “values”.  I have a real problem with this notion. It’s a very limiting notion that any nation has a set of certain religious values.  I still have yet to have someone present uniquely Christian values to me.  And, when I say uniquely, I really mean that.  Most, if not all, of the values that people say are uniquely Christian are found in many other religious traditions, at least by the research that I’ve done thus far. And to say that a nation holds specific, religious values opens up a whole can of worms.  That’s why, in the US, there is a separation of church and state.  Well, at least there’s supposed to be.