[Truthsayer20]

"The decline of Finland over the last century is a sad thing to consider."

And what might that decline be? Finland was one the poorest countries of Europe in the early 20th century. Now its one of the most properous ones. Finland has one of the highest fertility rates in Western Europe, 1.7, which is the same as the fertility rate for white Americans. Close to 90% of young Finnish men serve in the military; to this day most employers won't hire men who haven't served. The country also has the highest rate of firearm ownership in the world. Finland has mostly kept its borders tightly sealed unlike the neighbouring Sweden; the population is 97% native to this day. Sure, the country does have an extensive welfare system with the obvious problems. Still, its one of most conservative ones in Western Europe.

[45Auto]

I guess I was considering the future of Europe as a whole when I made that comment. While its true that Finland is still fairly prosperous, the future may not be so bright in light of Steyn's analyses. The success (so far) of Finland's welfare state is dependent upon two things: a rigorously controlled immigration policy and a fairly homogeneous population. But remarks like that made by its current president serve only too well to remind us (and the Finns) that freedom is a fragile state dependent upon our willingness to actually knock off our enemies if necessary. There can be no compromise with radical Islam; either we (the Western World) win or we succumb.

[cherry]

" to this day most employers won't hire men who haven't served. "

oh, to have that conscience here in the USA....

I have a beloved brother who never served, and none of my children have, but I to this day trust a man who has been in the military over one that hasn't....( kind of like I trust a man who hunts over one that doesn't)