[July 31, 2016] Like most European countries, Germany has its own unique culture; easily distinguishable from any other. It’s clean, orderly, and the people are accepting and easy to get along with as long as you show your interest in and respect for their culture. It is not surprising that citizens of Germany have sent Chancellor Merkel a rejection of her open-door immigration policies and distrust her to do what is right for Germany.
For those of us interested in senior leadership and the traits required to be a great leader, Germany is one of those we should study. Merkel is one of the best leaders that any European nation has produced over the past few decades. But it is now clear that she miscalculated both the immigrant rejection of German culture but also the German people’s reaction when those very immigrants are involved in murder, rape, and other violent crimes.
Germany is a microcosm on the world stage where refugees from war-torn countries of the Middle East have flowed, largely unimpeded. Those very immigrants will bring their Islamic culture into Germany and resist change regardless of the generosity bestowed upon them. More than one million Syrians have arrived in Germany. Remember that Islam is not merely a religion but an entire way of life.
Thousands have turned out to protest throughout Germany in opposition to Merkel’s policies on immigration. Protesting is not a trait of Germans, so when they pour into the streets of their cities, one should pay close attention. Over the past couple of days, Germans have sent an unambiguous message to the German government that they will not tolerate open-ended immigration anymore and that they distrust Merkel to change.
“Despite the great unease these events inspire, fear can’t be the guide for political decisions.” – Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany1
“Merkel muss weg,” (Merkel must go) is the slogan developing in response to recent Islamic terrorism in their country. Germans want Merkel out and out now. In response, Merkel said that she would not allow jihadists to keep her government from being guided by reason and compassion. Some have suggested that her policies are an outgrowth of German guilt of their behavior during World War II.
Today is Sunday and the weekend could witness a turnaround in German politics of open-ended immigration; not just for Germany but for most of the Western world. The biggest question citizens are asking themselves is whether their value of compassion overrides their desire for safety. And that is where great leadership stands out.
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