In Sweden, immigration debate dominates

, Sweden — Avid dog walkers are taking their routine morning stroll through a hilly park in Kungsholmen (“the king’s city”) in mid-October. Pockets of women function like maps for late arrivals. “Have you seen so-and-so?” “Over there.” Dogs attached to accommodatingly comfortable leashes bark hello to canine acquaintances. Red-cheeked and variously aged, these women are occasionally joined by male counterparts. Their familiarity with one another ranges from pet anecdotes to the newest grandchild. Everyone is accepted in this park, a tree-lined metaphor for Swedish friendliness and hospitality. While Swedes converse about all manner of things — it’s a remarkably free society — only two  “impolite” topics are banned: salaries and political proclivities. Immigration tops the political list these days. It’s OK to share opinions […]