Immigration Crisis, getting what we deserve? Options

[Andy Capp]

Anyone feel that the current much reported immigration issue is an example of doing something when we shouldn't (Iraq) and not doing something when we should (Syria)? Or is is this a more complex and multifaceted issue. People see what an open society we have compared to their own lot and want a taste of it too? An unintended consequence of an open boarder policy?

[On the edge]

GMR is quite right, there is little real difference between someone fleeing from a Country because the regime is repressive or someone fleeing because they want to escape poverty. We've generally rushed into conflicts, pressured by the Americans with little if any thought about what happens after. We pump out millions in 'aid' with little knowledge or understanding about how it's spent. Our and the EU economic system 'market forces' does demand free movement of labour. And yes, even without what's happening now, that does mean cheapest possible. If we want some degree of population stability, we really need to focus on bringing those places from which people are fleeing up to an acceptable civilised standard. That does mean regime change, that does mean policing and that does mean aid us delivered in terms of commerce not arms. Long term possibly BUT we could start right now. Many Countries have national service, why not us? Potentially in the form of a civilian service corps - the draftees not taking arms, but applied to improving infrastructures. This would give useful work to those attempting to improve their lives under a compassionate government.

[Andy Capp]

GMR is quite right, there is little real difference between someone fleeing from a Country because the regime is repressive or someone fleeing because they want to escape poverty.

There is only no difference in the symptom, but they are different issues which have different imperatives and probably different solutions.

We pump out millions in 'aid' with little knowledge or understanding about how it's spent.

I doubt that is true. It is probably some kind metaphoric 'grease'.

Our and the EU economic system 'market forces' does demand free movement of labour. And yes, even without what's happening now, that does mean cheapest possible. If we want some degree of population stability, we really need to focus on bringing those places from which people are fleeing up to an acceptable civilised standard. That does mean regime change, that does mean policing and that does mean aid us delivered in terms of commerce not arms. Long term possibly BUT we could start right now. Many Countries have national service, why not us? Potentially in the form of a civilian service corps - the draftees not taking arms, but applied to improving infrastructures. This would give useful work to those attempting to improve their lives under a compassionate government.

Yes, a big society initiative sounds good in theory, but of course you devalue low skilled jobs that way. There is some interesting ideas in your post, but perhaps we better start thinking about what to do about a future world where being slave to 'free market' starts to fail? We are inventing more and more ways to do away with the need for people, yet we are creating more and more of them.


On topic: salvation is the only solution now, but, if rescuing people at all cost is the new solution, then we supply another weapon to those that wish to exploit it and damage our and indeed, others' way of life.