We're currently hosting our discussions at Café Walnut, near the corner of 7th & Walnut in Olde City. The cafe's entrance is below street level down some stairs, which can be confusing if it's your first time. Our group meets in the large room upstairs.
Since we're using the cafe's space, they ask that each person attending the meetup at least purchase a drink or snack. Please don't bring any food or drinks from outside. If you're hungry enough to eat a meal, they have more substantial fare such as salads, soups & sandwiches which are pretty good and their prices are reasonable.
The cafe is fairly easy to get to if you're using public transit. With SEPTA, take the Market-Frankford Line & get off at the 5th Street Station (corner of 5th & Market), and walk 2 blocks south on 5th and then turn right on Walnut Street and walk 2 blocks west. With PATCO, just get off at the 9th-10th & Locust stop and walk 3 blocks east & 1 block north. For those who are driving, parking in the neighborhood can be tough to find. If you can't find a spot on the street, I'd suggest parking in the Washington Square parking deck at 249 S 6th Street which is just a half block away.
INTRODUCTION:
EUROPE'S DEBATES OVER MIGRANT CRIME & TERRORISM: SEPARATING THE FACTS FROM VIRAL RUMORS & MEDIA SPIN
This meetup will try to facilitate some fact-checking of common claims swirling around in the media and on the internet about the ongoing conflicts between Europe's secular culture and its growing Muslim minority in the wake of the migrant crisis of 2015-2016. We'll start by we'll look at the effects of immigration on Europe's crime rate in general, as well as allegations that there's a "migrant rape epidemic" taking place across Europe, with a particular focus on Germany & Sweden. Second, we'll discuss the UK's problems with sex trafficking of teenage girls by "grooming gangs" often run by 2nd-3rd generation Muslim immigrants, and we'll look at the Rotherham scandal in particular. Third, we'll address the problems in Europe's Muslim ghettos that have supposedly devolved into de facto "no-go zones" where Sharia law is enforced and even the police are afraid to venture. Lastly, we'll look at homegrown Islamism & jihadism in Europe, and in particular we'll look at the debate over stats on ISIS recruitment of European Muslims & the danger posed to Europe by returning ISIS fighters.
NOTE: This meetup will be directly followed by another meetup from 3-5pm hosted by the Philadelphia Political Agnostics which will explore some of the broader economic, political, demographic & cultural implications of Muslim immigration to Europe. To check out the discussion outline & RSVP, go here: https://www.meetup.com/Philadelphia-Political-Agnostics/events/xvbrznyxlbzb/
