Trump’s comments on European culture are contemptible and ignorant. For millennia Europe has raided, enslaved, married, and been conquered by both internal and neighboring armies. Today’s borders result from century-long wars, often in the name of religion, and migration. Like us, their “civilization” is accumulative. Few pockets of indigenous people remain.
In 212AD all free inhabitants of the Roman Empire became full citizens. In 732AD Charles Martel repelled the Moors near Poitiers, France halting the spread of Islam. 12th century England’s Henry II controlled half of what is now France. Cathars in the south were exterminated by the Pope/French king.
In 1683, Poland helped defend Vienna against the Ottoman Empire. A century later, Austria joined Prussia/Russia to divvy up Poland. “Wars of Religion” decimated societies all over Europe and “colonialism” changed its face.
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Modern Europe no longer defines culture by color and religion. Though feelings on immigration are mixed, it’s a problem exacerbated by aggressive superpowers who destabilize regions for questionable cause.
Sue Applegate
SaddleBrooke
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