What does being a "Liberal" mean? (US)

[DanaC]

The problem with looking to France for the impact of sharia on their society is that there is just as much, probably more in fact, fearmongering about it there as F&B is suggesting for the States.

Much of the negative impact is actually to do with the protest/counter protest dynamic, rather than the effects of sharia itself. The stuff about the veil ban is a typical example. Whatever one's opinion on the veil, it seems overkill to legislate against an item of clothing which is/was only actually worn by a few thousand women (around 4000 I think) in the entire country.

Lot of histrionics about threats to native culture and enforced integration, which was only engaged in for electoral purposes. Being 'strong' on Islam is a little like being 'tough on crime'. All the politicians are vying against each other to be the toughest. Any politician who dares suggest that the situation should be looked at with a clearer head and maybe points out the smallscale of the 'problem' gets shouted down as 'soft' on Islamic fundamentalism.

Add to that the historic problem of fraught relations between white and arabic communities in France (legacy of their colonial era), and it is easy to see how such fearmongering finds a very easy audience.

We have a similar issue in the Uk but focussed on the Pakistani community rather than Arabic.

Seriously. Do not be looking across to Europe for a reasonable attitude to Islam and muslims.