Ban on Dutch MP from entering UK

[Purple Dalek]

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.

I'd disagree. Most Dutch people I know are of the opinion that he's going to get plenty more seats in the next election. They're too frightened to say it too publically though due to the trouble following the opinion poll after that film maker was murdered.

[DodgyAgent]

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.

She made her comment on how she thought someone looked it is you who are introducing the "racist" interpretation.

[PM-Junkie]

She made her comment on how she thought someone looked it is you who are introducing the "racist" interpretation.

Indeed - I commented on how a friend looked as white a sheet this morning. Obviously that is racist and I am now deeply ashamed of myself.

[Mich the Tester]

I'd disagree. Most Dutch people I know are of the opinion that he's going to get plenty more seats in the next election. They're too frightened to say it too publically though due to the trouble following the opinion poll after that film maker was murdered.

He will, probably about 20, but there's a hard core of about 10 to 15% of the population who'll just vote for the most right winged candidate around. Most Dutch people and certainly many of the educated ones don't like him and have seen that his party has actually been of no use whatsoever in Parliament.

You might be right though that many people are afraid to say they'll vote for him, but I don't expect he'll get into a coalition with anyone. It could go two ways; the economy stays awful and people run off to the extremes of left and right. Or the economy just bumps along and people stick to the 'safety' of the old (oude vertrouwde) Christian Democrats and Labour.

Interestingly, the one party that has consistently expressed opposition to Wilders is D66; they were almost dead in the water at the last election, but are now doing quite well because of their consistent stand against him.

The murder of Theo van Gogh was shocking; the guy was a complete ****** who insulted almost everyone but no way did he deserve that; still, it only takes one idiot with a gun at the wrong moment to send a whole society haywire.

[Board Game Geek]

Thankfully I have never heard of this chap, and therefore I could watch the video without being biased concerning his background.

The video is absolutely shocking.

One half of me thinks "You get extremists in every religion. The vast majority are peaceful".

The other half of me thinks "Yes, but the extremists are doing their level best to radicalise and incite the peaceful members, and are succeeding in some cases. Enough to cause thousands of deaths across the Globe."

Of course, I then realise that religion is merely the vehicle or catalyst for the extremists to exploit in order to achieve their objectives.

The scary thing being that religion is a very powerful motivator, and perfect for motivating others, as it has done for thousands of years.

Yet, rightly or wrongly, religion also gives succour and comfort to others.

Is it time to remove the control mechanism and replace it with something else ? Something more rational and directly supportive, which can help people break the cycle of addiction to religion, and stand on their own feet ?

To accept that they are their own masters and not allow their fears and weakenesses to be manipulated by others with their own motives ?

[SantaClaus]

Indeed - I commented on how a friend looked as white a sheet this morning. Obviously that is racist and I am now deeply ashamed of myself.

Black coffee anyone?

That would probably get me the sack in the public sector

[FSM with Cheddar]

It's perfectly fine to comment on someone's appearance. And it is perfectly fine to address someone by their colour as a means of identifying them.

It is not my interpretation that the term Golliwog is racist. It started off as a perfectly innocent icon. However it has been used predominantly as a racist slur for sometime now and is generally considered as unacceptable. If it was a term that was used in general banter, there would be no issue.

[darmstadt]

The rather nice reaction to this...see it wasn't in the press