Category Archives: Politics
Benjamin Franklin on Immigration
Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States of America, wrote this about German immigrants in 1753: Those who come hither are generally of the most ignorant Stupid Sort of their own Nation… and as few of the … Continue reading
The appeal of the political outsiders
The three Republican candidates who have never held any elected office before, Donald Trump, Ben Carson and Carly Fiorina, now poll – taken together – at more than 50%. More than half of Republican primary voters seem to think that … Continue reading
Târgu Mureș, where the mayor is xenophobic and racist
I have always told people how welcomed I felt in Târgu Mureș. From the first week, I made really good friends, I felt integrated and I made this cute little town in Romania my home. But probably it only went that well because I … Continue reading
Why Eastern Europe cannot accept more Refugees
Dear Western Europe, it seems you are in sulk about our unwillingness to accept more any refugees. It hurts us to hurt your feelings, so please allow us to explain things from an Eastern European perspective. We are certain you that … Continue reading
Welcome to Germany!
It has been funny how many people have been telling me that Germany should be careful not to accept too many refugees, that they would be a threat, a burden or what not. It’s particularly funny when these comments come from … Continue reading
When terrorism was a women’s issue
Remember when your grandmother told you about her time with the Suffragettes, the women campaigning for voting rights in early 20th-century Britain? But they did not only pass out pamphlets, give speeches and sit around knitting and drinking tea. No, some of … Continue reading
Ted Cruz on Gun Violence
You missed the news about the latest mass shooting ? Don’t worry, there will be another one this week. The only good thing about this high number of killings is that it provides a lot of data. We can compare … Continue reading
Easily confused (52) Hungarian fences
Hungarian fence in 1989: Helping economic migrants who want to buy better cars and bananas – good. Hungarian fence in 2015: Helping genuine refugees from war-ravaged countries who risk their lives to survive – bad. And just because it rhymes: Hungarian dance
Is it Târgu Mureș or Tîrgu Mureș?
I have been living in this beautiful town in Transylvania for almost a year, yet hardly any of my foreign friends have visited me here. It’s not that they wouldn’t be interested, but it’s just too complicated to travel here … Continue reading
Easily Confused (50) Dumb and Dumber
Dumb and Dumber 1: Dumb and Dumber 2: Dumb and Dumber 3: Ok, that’s unfair to some of these gentlemen. But you will see what I mean when you will watch the debate tonight. Follow me on Twitter or Facebook … Continue reading
The Happy Hermit 