Ban on Dutch MP from entering UK

[PM-Junkie]

I get offended by the religious crowd trying to ram religion down my throat. It is atheophobic and is prejudicial against atheists.

What court should I go to to pick up my cheque?

[FSM with Cheddar]

I see what you're saying, but if the offended group decides to kill those who disagree with it, and the government does nothing for fear of offending them, aren't people right to become indignant? Isn't xenophobia pretty much a natural reaction to this?

EDIT: I also note this government is too afraid to keep out extremist nutters who themselves are part of this group we're all so keen not to offend.

Yes, we have a right to become indignant, and as human beings xenophobia is a natural progression. However we also have the ability to think about what is right and to override the bigoted side of our brains.

When the government don't step up to the mark, we need to show them who they need to fear.

[Platypus]

When the government don't step up to the mark, we need to show them who they need to fear.

Ah, I know this one.

It's the French, isn't it?

[Cyberman]

There is a difference between offending someone based on different point of view, and racism. Calling someone a Golliwog is racist. But it is more than that. Carol's natural reaction to refer to someone who is black as a Golliwog shows an underlying level racism that is ingrained in her. If it was an accident she would have apologised. She has not.

On the praying for a patient subject:
It is totally inappropriate for someone that is in a position of power to offer a patient a medical solution that has not been tested though scientific means. Including: Witchcraft, Prayer, Homoeopathy, Reflexology, Osteopathy or Morris dancing.

She didn't need to be suspended. But just asked not to do it again.

Carol Thatcher did not call somebody a Golliwog. She likened somebody to a golliwog in a private conversation. That is totally different IMO.

Praying is hardly a medical solution. It is a gesture of goodwill and an aid to positive thought and surely the opportunity will be welcomed by most reasonable people.

[ratewhore]

Praying is hardly a medical solution. It is a gesture of goodwill and an aid to positive thought and surely the opportunity will be welcomed by most reasonable people.

WHS

[FSM with Cheddar]

Carol Thatcher did not call somebody a Golliwog. She likened somebody to a golliwog in a private conversation. That is totally different IMO.

Praying is hardly a medical solution. It is a gesture of goodwill and an aid to positive thought and surely the opportunity will be welcomed by most reasonable people.

Carol should have the right to say what she wants in a private conversation on private property. However she did the "likening" at the BBC. Therefore the BBC should have a right to not require her services any more if they don't share her opinion.

I still don't see why she felt the need to liken someone to Racist symbol. She made her comment, based purely on colour of that person. This is not acceptable.

I see your point on the praying. I would take it as a complement if someone offered a prayer to help me get better. However I still don't believe it is appropriate in the NHS. Besides, a sacrifice to Zeus would be far more effective.

[Purple Dalek]

Indeed. I’ve seen this guy becoming more and more extreme the last few years. He used to be a sort of libertarian in a centrist party who campaigned reforms to social security, but he’s become an extremist anti-Islam single issue campaigner, who continually stokes up hatred of muslims; he claims to stand up for free speech, but only really if it’s free speech for himself. He introduced a bill in the Dutch parliament to ban the Koran from the Netherlands and has even called for the removal of muslims from Europe. His party campaigns for Dutch Antilleans to be refused entry to the Netherlands, even though they are citizens of the same country. Many of the supporters who demonstrate for him are known members of neo-nazi organisations, and indeed one of his campaign officers at the last election posted messages on neo-nazi websites calling for their support. Once the press got hold of this, the campaigner was sacked, but one suspects that was done to save face.

It’s up to you guys whether you think he should be allowed into Britain, but personally I’d say you should think twice, even thrice and do not underestimate the true nature of a very smooth operator.

To see where he comes from I'd suggest a good look at what has happened to his home town.

[Mich the Tester]

To see where he comes from I'd suggest a good look at what has happened to his home town.

True, but I also know that Venlo is avoided by some investors because of it's reputation for racism and violence; Dutch employers tend not to want to be in places where workers hassle each other over ethnic issues, so I don't think it's fair to just blame on part of the town for what's happened. It's also suffered because of the closing of the mines in Limburg and the fact that the Dutch economy is centred around Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Utrecht.

As I say, it's up to everybody to decide for themselves whether they support him going to Britain; I just say that you shouldn't underestimate how extreme his views are and how much more extreme they've become in recent years.

[Purple Dalek]

True, but I also know that Venlo is avoided by some investors because of it's reputation for racism and violence; Dutch employers tend not to want to be in places where workers hassle each other over ethnic issues, so I don't think it's fair to just blame on part of the town for what's happened. It's also suffered because of the closing of the mines in Limburg and the fact that the Dutch economy is centred around Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Utrecht.

As I say, it's up to everybody to decide for themselves whether they support him going to Britain; I just say that you shouldn't underestimate how extreme his views are and how much more extreme they've become in recent years.

If you could graph the increase in trouble in his home town and how extreme his view has become they'd be neck and neck.

[Mich the Tester]

If you could graph the increase in trouble in his home town and how extreme his view has become they'd be neck and neck.

Possibly. There are big problems there, but on the other hand there are plenty of towns in NL with immigrant populations and without big problems; the news shows those places where things go wrong, but the truth remains that MOST people get along fine MOST of the time.