I joined the Labour Party because of him ( was a labour voter , but I thought he would be a breath of fresh air , so joined the party ) . Very VERY Disappointed . He is a man of principles , but a leader he is NOT ! It saddens me to say , I will hold the exit door open for him . I doubt I am the only one .
please log in to view this image ‘From the 1970s the Netherlands was a laboratory for social and cultural change, boldly pioneering the legalisation of prostitution, soft drugs, euthanasia and gay marriage. Once a beacon of progressive politics, the Netherlands today is a traumatised, angry and deeply confused nation. Support for immigration and the European project are at all-time lows. Synagogues and Jewish schools need police protection from homegrown jihadists, and freedom of expression is under serious pressure. Leading pundits and comedians incite hatred against Muslims in much the same way that antisemites rage against “the Jews”. It seems a long time since “Dutch” was synonymous with tolerance. A founding member of the European Union, the Netherlands developed from the 1970s onwards into a laboratory for social and cultural change, boldly pioneering the legalisation of prostitution, soft drugs, euthanasia and gay marriage. Those were the days when Dutch politicians and opinion-makers would refer to the Netherlands, without any apparent irony, as a “gidsland”, or “guide country”: a small nation leading by example. Its proudest moment probably came in June 1988 when an ethnically mixed team of Dutch footballers won the European Championships, beating the all-white teams of arch-rival Germany and then Russia. It felt like the ultimate vindication of multiculturalism. Fast-forward 28 years, and heading the polls today is Geert Wilders’ PVV or Freedom party. Voted “politician of the year 2015”, Wilders is the sole member of the party he founded, ruling over it as undemocratically as the Arab dictators he so despises. He wants the Netherlands to drop the euro and leave the EU. Like Donald Trump he demands an end to all immigration from Islamic countries. A typical Wilders tweet: “As long as we have ‘leaders’ such as [Dutch prime minister] Rutte, Merkel, Obama and Cameron denying Islam and terror are one and the same, there will be more terrorist attacks.” Of course there was racism and intolerance in the Netherlands during the 70s, 80s and 90s, too, and the country of old has not entirely disappeared. A slim majority continues to vote for pro-EU parties that abhor discrimination against Muslims. The popular mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb, is openly and proudly Muslim. The speaker of parliament, Khadija Arib, is of Moroccan descent; and in 2007 Dutch readers voted the book The House of the Mosque by Iranian-born Kader Abdolah to be the second “best Dutch book ever”. Yet the influence of the PVV is widely felt, particularly because the steadily growing far-left Socialist party shares many of its views on the EU. And with every new terrorist attack, wave of refugees or expensive euro bailout, the forces of regression grow stronger, both on the far right and the far left. Many of the reasons for the “Dutch turn” mirror those elsewhere in Europe. As the EU struggles to get on top of jihadist terrorism and the refugee crisis, some voters look for fresh faces promising simple solutions: torture, deportation, closed borders. And as the eurozone limps from panic to panic, people wonder whether the currency can and should be salvaged in the first place. Is “more Europe” really the answer to every crisis? These questions, formerly taboo, are now being debated across the continent, reflecting a deep loss of faith in the competence and trustworthiness of traditional elites. Yet no country seems quite as disoriented as the Netherlands. One important reason must be the unprecedented series of catastrophes to have hit the country over the past 15 years. Three high-profile political murders. The country’s first mass shooting. An attempt on Queen Beatrix’s life in which eight people died. And finally the downing over Ukraine of an airliner, nearly two years ago, killing all 298 on board. Of those, 193 were Dutch, meaning that, relative to population-size, the country suffered a larger loss of life than the US did on 9/11. These are major traumas that deeply shook the country’s complacent consensus that bad things did not happen around here. And when a frightened population looked to its elites for leadership, those elites looked painfully incompetent – a second reason for the Dutch turn. There were the lost wars in Afghanistan and Iraq – which the Netherlands was almost alone from mainland Europe in joining, where 25 died. There was the disaster of the financial crash that took the entire policymaking elite by surprise. And then there is the Greek euro-crisis. Each of these debacles made the traditional elites look helpless and inept – in Wilders’ favourite slur, “naive”. When those same elites then implore their voters to trust them on the EU, the euro and immigration, many voters now think twice. There are still those in the Netherlands who believe that the country needs to “sit out” the PVV. They point out that there have not been even low-level defections from the elites to the PVV and that, unlike Marine Le Pen in France, Wilders is not building a political machine. Quite the contrary. As soon as anybody in his party assumes any kind of profile they are quickly sidelined. In this respect Wilders resembles Nigel Farage – though with none of the latter’s cheerfulness. Yet it would be a grave mistake to think that once Wilders leaves the scene, so will the questions that, beneath all the offensive and incendiary rhetoric, he has put centre stage. What if the European project is an edifice with fatally flawed foundations? How does an open society based on equality survive, when every year it takes in tens if not hundreds of thousands of immigrants from countries with no tradition of openness, equality or democratic debate? Especially when those immigrants consistently have more children than the native Dutch? There was a time when mainstream Dutch politicians and opinion-makers would answer breezily that the EU was a work in progress and that successful integration would simply take a generation: why would the children of immigrants remain socially and culturally conservative if they could also be Dutch? That self-confidence is gone and what will take its place is anyone’s guess. What seems certain is that the heady days of progressive optimism are not coming back. As for the football, the Netherlands did not even qualify for this year’s European Championship.
Local councils fear refugees won’t find work, survey shows Jobs June 24, 2016 Photo: DutchNews.nl Local councils are worried that up to 90% of newly recognised refugees will not be able to find work, according to research involving 200 municipalities. Six out of 10 need to undergo training and be actively encouraged to find a job and three in 10 have no chance of a job at all, the councils have told a government-backed advisory group KIS which studies integration issues. Local councils are allocated recognised refugees depending on the size of their populations. The aim is to spread refugees throughout the country but it also means many are sent to places where there are no jobs, broadcaster NOS points out. Local authorities are required by law to help all jobless people within their boundaries find work. But two-thirds told KIS they do not have enough suitable jobs in their locality for refugees. National statistics office CBS said in May some 75% of the Syrian refugees who have been given residency permits over the past three years are claiming welfare benefits because they have not yet found work. Read more at DutchNews.nl: Local councils fear refugees won’t find work, survey shows http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archiv...ls-fear-refugees-wont-find-work-survey-shows/
Can i have a short version Rog please. That was massive on the phone. I got afghan iraq bit. But basically skipped the rest. Soz.
better out than in..... Europe will drop like a pack of cards within the next 2 years sooner if they let in Turkey Albania Ukraine and slovakia
immigration is now crippling the netherlands and the politicians wont or cant do owt, the muslims breed like rats 8 to 10 to a family always on welfare, Dutch companies wont hire them and the ones that do they steal off them,Moroccan gangster are shooting people every week now, its worse than new york
Two crocodiles found guarding a drugs gang’s money in Amsterdam in February are to remain with their owner even though he is a suspect, according to the Telegraaf. The reptiles were found when police conducted raids on six houses in Amsterdam and one in Almere, netting several kilos of synthetic drugs, including €500,000 worth of crystal meth, €300,000 in cash, and several firearms. Most of the cash was in a room in one house guarded by the two crocodiles which would-be thieves would have to pass to get to the money. The pro-animal party PvdD had called on the public prosecution department to confiscate the animals but Amsterdam’s mayor Eberhard van der Laan has now said this is impossible. Licences ‘Possessions can only be confiscated if they may have been obtained illegally,’ the mayor is quoted as saying by the Telegraaf. ‘This is not the case here, as the suspect, a former circus performer, has been their legitimate owner for 20 years. The owner has all the necessary licences to look after the animals and is doing a good job. Detectives have looked into this closely.’ The owner is one of 11 people suspected of trading in synthetic drugs. Read more at DutchNews.nl: Crocodiles found guarding drugs cash are to stay with their owner http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archiv...ding-drugs-cash-are-to-stay-with-their-owner/
Tenants offered €100 off rent if they help refugees set up home HousingSociety June 13, 2016 A housing corporation is offering tenants a €100 discount on their rent if they help asylum seekers set up home in the Netherlands. The Trudo corporation, based in Eindhoven, says the ‘adopt a newcomer’ scheme will help people who have been granted asylum integrate into their new homeland, Omroep Brabant reports. ‘If refugees are given legal status we are required to house them,’ said director Thom Aussems. ‘We want to find someone in the housing complex who can help them feel at home in the neighbourhood and let them know the customs of our country. ‘They will be able to raise the alarm if they see something going wrong with their financial affairs, healthcare or education.’ Trudo said the idea had emerged from an earlier project in the city where students were given a discount if they spent 10 hours a week mentoring local children. Around 350 children were given support in this way. Read more at DutchNews.nl: Tenants offered €100 off rent if they help refugees set up home http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archiv...0-off-rent-if-they-help-refugees-set-up-home/
Man shot dead in Utrecht was witness in contract killing case CrimeSociety June 23, 2016 Photo: Depositphotos.com A man shot dead in a gangland killing in Utrecht on Wednesday evening was due to testify in a murder case, the Telegraaf said on Thursday. Ranko S, 45, was due to appear in court this week to give evidence in case focusing on a well-organised gang who carried out contract killings, the paper said. The windows of his home had been smashed earlier. S was shot dead by two men on a moped who drove off at top speed in the Overvecht district of the city. Police have found no trace of the men. Read more at DutchNews.nl: Man shot dead in Utrecht was witness in contract killing case http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archiv...utrecht-was-witness-in-contract-killing-case/
Rog. Sorry you are killing me with these post. Long. Argh About Holland..soz mate couldnt care. But i luv ya.
whats happening here will happen there mate, Netherlands is a tolerant society who are now being **** on with immigration , and the EU DEMAND WE TAKE MORE AND MORE
11 of the prettiest Dutch villages which aren’t too over-run by Muslims Life & Culture June 24, 2016 Cobbled streets, waterways, tiny thatched cottages covered with roses, secret gardens and wooden bridges – Dutch villages can be a delight. So this is a totally subjective compilation of places we think worth checking out – and which (we hope) won’t be totally full of coach loads of tourists. Appingedam The hanging kitchens of Appingedam. Photo: Wolfskuil via Wikimedia Commons Appingedam first evolved on the banks of the Delf river in around 1200. With open access to the sea, it was somewhat prosperous and second only in importance in the region to Groningen. It enjoyed a resurgence as an industrial centre in the late 19th century and was home to the Appingedammer Bronsmotorenfabriek, which made ships motors until 2004. Appingedam’s most famous attraction is the hanging kitchens above the Damsterdiep. Bourtange The fortified hamlet of Bourtange: Photo: Marco van Middelkoop/Hollandse Hoogte The leafy star-shaped fortified village of Bourtange in Groningen province has pretty houses, a charming central square and several museums and fortifications to poke around in. Totally rennovated in the 1960s, Bourtange was built way back in 1593 to control the only road between Germany and the city of Groningen. It is now a big draw to German tourists from just over the border – so avoid public holidays. Bronkhorst Even Bronkhorst’s lamp posts have character. Photo: VirtualSteve via Wikimedia Commons Bronkhorst, in Gelderland, is technically a city but only has around 170 inhabitants. It used to be a lordship and its earliest known lord – Gijsbert – was first mentioned in 1140. Bronkhorst is just a stroll from the banks of the river Ijssel and has a nice little museum devoted to Charles Dickens which was set up by local fanatics. If you make a day trip of it, there are lots of castles to gawp at in nearby Vorden. De Rijp The town hall (and tourist information) in De Rijp Less than an hour north of Amsterdam, De Rijp is a village of cottages with some grander buildings in between. You can rent a little electric boat and tour the waterways of the Beemster polder and there are some nice walks across the fields, if you really want to go off the beaten track. Information at the tourist office in the town hall. Popular with Dutch day trippers, there are lots of nice places for lunch. Doesburg Granted city rights in 1237, Doesburg has a strategic position along the Oude IJssel and Gelderse IJssel rivers, which helped boost its prosperity. Top attractions include the Doesburgse mustard factory and weighhouse (de Waag). The town also has a museum dedicated to the work of René Lalique with some 250 items of jewelry and glass and a cafe devoted to Elvis Presley. Durgerdam Durgerdam’s harbour. Photo: Jvhertum via Wikimedia Commons The dyke village of Durgerdam to the north east of Amsterdam dates from the 15th century and has a splendid view over the Buiten IJ – even though Amsterdam’s is encroaching on its skyline. Of the 100 or so wooden houses, 73 are listed buildings. There is nothing much to do apart from walk or cycle along the waterfront, watch birds and admire. The sunsets can be particularly fine. If you are a cyclist, a trip taking in Uitdam, Ransdorp and Zuiderwoude as well is highly recommended. There are also buses, of course. Elburg Elburg is one of the Netherlands oldest settlements and was completely rebuild in the 14th century, giving it the square street pattern it has today. The town’s museum is housed in the imposing 15th century Agnieten convent. Opposite is a little house built into the old town walls – the muurhuisje – which is open to the public. Eext Hunebed D14 in Eext. Photo: Gouwenaar via Wikimedia Commons Eext, in Drenthe, is a charming village of thatched farmhouses and wide open spaces, with a few fine places to eat, a couple of hotels and a tiny museum. It is also home to a couple of hunebedden or megalithic burial chambers. Hotel Rikus is very reasonably priced, grows its own veg, serves massive breakfasts and organises bikes or walking tours for those that want them. Hindeloopen Photo: The sluice gates in Hindeloopen. Photo: M. van der Sluis via Wikimedia Commons Hindeloopen is a little port town in Frisland, and one of the province’s 11 cities. The Hindeloopen painting style – flowers and curly cues on a white, green, red or blue background – is the town’s main claim to fame. The people of Hindeloopen couldn’t get enough of it and covered absolutely every piece of furniture in it. The Hindeloopen Museum has lots of examples and more Hindeloopen history – including skating – besides. Thorn The White Houses in Thorn. Photo: Holland.com The village of Thorn in Limburg dates back to the 11th century and was home to an important convent for ladies of the nobility around that time. The white houses date back to the village’s occupation by the French in 1794. They, so the story goes, introduced a tax on windows. The good folk of Thorn were said to be so poor that they bricked up their windows and whitewashed their homes to disguise the fact. Thorn has a small museum and a nice selection of cafes. Grand cafe Het Stift has a wide selection of local beers. Veere The harbour in Veere. Photo: By Paul 14 via Wikimedia Commons Veere in Zeeland is a gem of a village with some splendid medieval buildings and an enormous church (1348) that Napoleon’s soldiers used as a military hospital. Veere’s wealth stems from its position as a major port in the wool trade with Scotland back in the 15th century. The Schotse Huizen museum on the waterfront is well worth a visit. Our favourite place to stay is the Auberge De Campveerse Toren – built into part of the town walls. Veere can get very busy in the summer so we recommend a winter weekend away. please log in to view this image
Thats my problem mate. A lot of this is based on immigration. Not other issues. Yes its a major factor but not the only one
