Canaries

As recently as 1986 canaries were carried into coal mines to detect the presence of noxious gases. The bird's provided a low tech, yet highly accurate, detection method for carbon monoxide and methane gas. A canary would sway visibly on it's perch when carbon monoxide was present, long before the gas reached levels lethal to humans. I presume they are still in use in some parts of the world, though they are pretty well replaced in the industrialized west.

But the canaries are still, metaphorically, providing us a warning. Ayaan Hirsi Ali is leaving Europe for the United States. Other Europeans are as well. More still are living under around the clock police protection because of death threats against them. Hint: it isn't radical Presbyterians that are making the threats.

The organized threat of Islamic radicalism is such that once powerful European countries — erstwhile seats of empire — are no longer able to preserve the security of their leading citizens, including legislators and newspaper editors. What are these people doing? On the advice of fellow Europeans and security experts, these persecuted people are moving to the United States, the only Western country whose government at least arguably acts as though it is at war with militant Islam.

The canaries are refusing to die in the coal mine. They are fleeing to the United States of the despised George W. Bush. Why?

Go read Tigerhawk. We need to recognize that we are being given an early warning. We need to pay attention while the canaries are still swaying. Before they start dying.

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  By Dan, Thursday, 18 May , 2006 @ 7:40 am

  First of all, despite what the Right might think, this is not the United States of the Despised George W Bush. It’s the United States of America (if no other reason that the acronym USDGWB is WAY to long). The America part is what makes coming here desirable. For all of it’s flaws, America is still the place that people think of when they think, “I want to not be persecuted.”

  Call me simple, but the metaphor is a bit unclear to me. Are you saying that something should be done to make European governments take a harder stance against militant Islam? That seems to be it, I just want to be sure.

  This next bit is a reach, but presumably Ms. Ali is muslim. I guess I’m stereotyping because of the ethnicity of her name. What’s more disturbing to me is that this could a muslim authority figure who is speaking out against militant Islam - exactly what is really needed - and nothing is being done.

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  By Gaius, Thursday, 18 May , 2006 @ 7:45 am

  Look up the other entries (there are several) on Hirsi Ali. Yes, she is a Muslim and a severe critic of the religion as it is being practiced in too many places.

  If they do not take a harder stance, they will fall. They are on their way to a collapse now.

Other Links to this Post

1. Blue Crab Boulevard » Blog Archive » Ayaan Hirsi Ali Welcome In US: State Department — Thursday, 18 May , 2006 @ 1:27 pm