I've come to the conclusion that, somewhat paradoxically, functional democracy requires that laws and policies not be crafted via direct democracy. Why is this? Populism I think leads to dysfunctional policy, and therefore generates discontent which is corrosive to a democratic culture.

"War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend"

There is no such thing as "importing immigrants". People don't get "imported" into a country, like auto parts or vegetables. Governments can make it easier, or harder, for immigrants to enter and settle in a country, but they don't "import" anyone.

"Race hate isn’t an opinion; it’s a phobia. It isn’t a viewpoint; race hate is a disease. In a people’s world the incurable racist has no rights. He must be deprived of influence in a people’s government. He must be segregated—as we now segregate the leprous and the insane." -Orson Welles