About a decade ago, I urged the liberals in power to engage with their conservative counterparts, and have an honest discussion about the challenges posed by poorly vetted migration from parts of the world with serious integration and security concerns.
Instead, many chose to dismiss those concerns outright. Political opponents were branded racists or Nazis, and any attempt to discuss the issue was treated as illegitimate. The possibility that ordinary people might have genuine reasons to be worried was largely ignored.
As crime and social tensions became more visible, foreign adversaries exploited the situation to further polarize society, deepen divisions, and erode trust in institutions.
And now, here we are.
After a gruesome video of an attempted decapitation circulated, the predictable next step for some of those who had spent years being radicalized was unrest, rioting, and destruction.
I take no pleasure in saying, “I told you so.” But I did. Ten years ago. Had people and leaders addressed these concerns seriously back then, rather than dismissing them, we might not be where we are today.
And unless something changes, it will get worse.
The rioters have set a house on fire in Belfast.