Migrants in Paris: 'I thought Europe would be the solution'

[Surya Gayatri]

There are concerns among the authorities in Paris that the number of people who have arrived, having migrated to Europe across the Mediterranean, could become a problem.

The French government fears that an influx could result in a similar situation in the French capital as there is in Calais.

They have already sent back hundreds of migrants who tried to cross over the border from Italy.
______________________

The migrant issue is the most pressing and inextricable crisis facing Europe today. Multiple wars and ethnic struggles continue to rage just beyond her borders.

Naturally, the beseiged civilian masses in the warring and poverty-stricken countries see Europe as their last best hope.

[freshwest]

1. The Anthem of Europe:

Uploaded on May 2, 2011

Joy, beautiful sparkle of the gods,
Daughter of Elysium!

We enter, fire-drunk,
Heavenly one, your shrine.

Your magic again binds
What custom has firmly parted.

All men become brothers
Where your tender wing lingers.

Whoever has had the great fortune
To be a friend's friend,

Whoever has won a devoted wife,
Join in our jubilation!

Indeed, whoever can call even one soul,
His own on this earth!

And whoever was never able to, must creep
Tearfully away from this band!

Indeed, whoever can call even one soul,
His own on this earth!

And whoever was never able to, must creep
Tearfully away from this band!

Joy, beautiful sparkle of the gods,
Daughter of Elysium!

We enter, fire-drunk,
Heavenly one, your shrine.

Your magic again binds
What custom has firmly parted.

All men become brothers
Where your tender wing lingers.

Your magic again binds
What custom has firmly parted.

All men become brothers
Where your tender wing lingers.

Hi, Surya Gayatri, we meet again. Many internal forces are taking away that vision. But what does it mean whe it says 'fire-drunk'?

Ummm....

[Surya Gayatri]

2. Hi there freshwest, comment va?

Humm, 'fire-drunk'? Your speculation is as good as mine.

Maybe 'bewitched by the beauty of the altar fire'?

Fire is a potent symbol and object of devotion in many cutures.

Just for your delectation, have you ever seen this version of the 'Ode to Joy'? I just love it.

(Barcelona, Spain, 2012)

[JonLP24]

3. Thousands are capsizing off of the Mediterranean this year alone

saving to pay the smugglers' fees to sail on an overcrowded boat where one went with a "let 'em drown" approach to discourage the others but didn't work when they kept coming. Over a 1,000 total drowned in a period of a week from 2 capsizing which sent the EU into an emergency crisis meetings but there was a lot of anti-immigration rhetoric under the cover for populist reasons. I think Sweden has been the most helpful taking in the most Iraqi refugees way before these recent wars but poverty issues in Nigerians drives a lot of this as well.

I knew some third-country nationals when I was in service. One from Nepal had this impression of the US through rose colored glasses which is remarkable considering the abuse & exploitation from the Department of Defense, ultimately, though KBR subcontracts to a Kuwaiti contractor for convenient reasons. Certainly better than the poverty they are coming from but rose-colored glasses nonetheless. Years of colonization and meddling -- cause and effect.

[Surya Gayatri]

4. When you and your family are in imminent danger of death from war, poverty or genocide,

the danger of the Mediterranean gauntlet looks pretty attractive. There's no contest.

That's why families send off their children alone at great sacrifice--hoping to save them at least.

[Jesus Malverde]

5. Maybe they miss Qaddafi?

You reap what you sow.

[Surya Gayatri]

6. Bad taste...

And, not funny, if that's what you were aiming for.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

8. No, not funny at all. Sad and disappointing.

As if they traded "the devil you know" for the one you never expected.

In what countries has life been improved by deposing the leadership? Not Libya, not Egypt, not Iraq. Maybe Tunisia. The Arab Spring has grown a few weeds.

[octoberlib]

7. My co-worker's family is

from Azerbaijan by way of Israel. They saying the same thing about this country.