Is a 'Complacent' and Self Satisfied America Following Europe's Lead? .... Let's Hope Not

Subtitled 'As Europe's wealth has grown, its military prowess has shrunk, along with its self-belief,' Notable & Quotable offers this quite timely food for thought:

"Historian Niall Ferguson . . . Nov. 15:

Like the Roman Empire in the early fifth century, Europe has allowed its defences to crumble. As its wealth has grown, so its military prowess has shrunk, along with its self-belief. It has grown decadent in its shopping malls and sports stadiums. At the same time it has opened its gates to outsiders who have coveted its wealth without renouncing their ancestral faith. . . .

It is doubtless true to say that the overwhelming majority of Muslims in Europe are not violent. But it is also true that the majority hold views not easily reconciled with the principles of our liberal democracies, including our novel notions about sexual equality and tolerance not merely of religious diversity but of nearly all sexual proclivities. And it is thus remarkably easy for a violent minority to acquire their weapons and prepare their assaults on civilization within these avowedly peace-loving communities.

I do not know enough about the fifth century to be able to quote Romans who described each new act of barbarism as unprecedented, even when it had happened multiple times before; or who issued pious calls for solidarity after the fall of Rome, even when standing together meant falling together; or who issued empty threats of pitiless revenge, even when all they intended to do was to strike a melodramatic posture.

I do know that 21st-century Europe has itself to blame for the mess it is now in. . . .

“Romans before the fall,” wrote [historian Bryan] Ward-Perkins, “were as certain as we are today that their world would continue for ever substantially unchanged. They were wrong. We would be wise not to repeat their complacency.”

Poor, poor Paris. Killed by complacency."

Summing Up

Is an overly 'complacent' America next?

Let's hope not.

Is our political 'leadership' competent?

Let's hope so, but I doubt it.

That's my take.

Thanks. Bob.