(no subject)

[gerbie]

Political murder in the Netherlands? I couldn't have guessed it would happen here:

http://www.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/europe/05/06/fortuyn.shooting/index.html

even though I couldn't find anything useful about his ideas, he wasn't stupid. He did shake up dusty politicians lately.

Where is this world heading for...

Comments

[ex-ladyvox549.livejournal.com]

I heard it through livejournal and the internet since I am in the United States at this moment. I am shocked and can't believe things like this indeed happen in our country? You hear about this in the US, Italy, Russia, and yes even in Belgium, but I would have never expected to find this happening in my country.. It scares me, it really really scares me.

[hoodcity.livejournal.com]

I am curious, as I have not heard much about this guy until today: In your estimate, what percentage of citizens supported him?

Re:

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

He was a populist, in the polls of lately he varied from 15 to 25 out of the 150 seats available in the house. That would make a percentage of 10-15. I guess he would have lost a bit on poll day, as populists seem to do mostly. They threaten to get a lot, but as there idea's inevitably are just that, not political realities, they tend not to break too much ice.

But we'll never know now what would have happened.

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

It is a scary thought. Is our country Americanising or aren't we morally superior as so often we thought we were?

Was going to stay something

[aquariusmama.livejournal.com]

...but I can't stop my head from spinning..
Americanising????
Right, because this is the only country where politicians are shot.
There. Said something, couldn't let it go.

In any case, I agree it's horrible and shocking...especially that it could happen in such a "morally superior" country.

Re: Was going to stay something

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

As you might have noticed, I use the word 'we' instead of I. I'm not necessarily saying these words, I am merely quoting notes from the press, from LJ, from qualifications in foreign press. Both the Americanising-bit and the morally superior-bit are not my words. After today I'm not sure if I agree with them. This remark had a hint of sarcasm in it, as you might, or might not, have noticed.

And it is true that in our modern history we haven't had any political murders or even attempts. Our politicians cycle to work, talk to whoever they meet on their way. However much some people might have loathed the guy, this can't be a solution.

I got your sarcasm :)

[aquariusmama.livejournal.com]

and added a bit of my own.

I agree, it's no solution.

Re: I got your sarcasm :)

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

I knew you would. Not sure if everybody did. That's the main disadvantage of communicating through a screen, only using written language. The odd smiley only helps slightly. But we're coping well for the time being ;-)

[oftherain.livejournal.com]

I'm shocked. I've been working all day and had no idea. Though we are Canadian, my boyfriend is of pure dutch background, and his family has always expressed such pride in their heritage and homeland.

I was amazed to read this line: "Most Dutch political leaders travel without bodyguards, often using public transport."

wow. i hope that doesn't change.

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

For the moment it already has changed. Everything has. Perhaps, someday, we might get back to normal, though a lot of commentators already called this the end of innocence, the end of an era in Dutch politics.