Politics

[woodface]

Humo published some snippets from the book Richard Clarke wrote on terrorism. The chapter this week was devoted to 9/11 and Iraq. It pretty much confirmed what was said in an interview dating back from when the US first invaded Iraq. Bush and his advisors have been planning a war on Iraq long before 9/11 happened. Clarke describes a certain eagerness coming from Bush himself and his advisors. A trigger happiness almost that shouldn't be present on that level of politics - or anywhere else for that matter.

There was also a bit about the difference between Bush and Clinton. He said that they were informed that Bush isn't much of a reader and goed to be at 10pm. This translates himself in Bush not reading things into details. He depends on his advisors to give him the big lines and makes decisions from there. Whereas Clinton used to read all details, stayed up until very late to do so and made his decision based on all that. (Which I think reflects his background as a historian *g*) Still, what was said about Bush surprised me. I don't see how you can rule a nation when you don't want to look into details.


This week the judges decided that the "Vlaams Blok" (a extreme right political party in Flanders) proclaims and incites discrimination and racism and thus violates the law of 1981 against discrimination and racism. This has caused quite a stir up. Of course Vlaams Blok is going to appeal to a higher court but fact remains that they have been found guilty. Naturally Vlaams Blok is now going to exploit its role as victim even more. Our parties up until now have held up a sort of "cordon sanitair" around the VB but have failed to fight it politically.

Basically our traditional parties just don't have the guts to take over any points from VB while the problems that are brought forward do need to be addressed, and rather sooner than later. The decree now emphasizes that a party that is against our law has been able to exist for such a long time. Traditional parties are winging about the bad timing of the decree - near elections - and are questioning the "opportunity" of it all. They should stop their bitching and do their jobs. The judges have done so, not it's their turn to fight this on a political level.

Hmmmm and ow yeah, of course VB is now insinuating that the judges were corrupt. Right before the trial they fully trusted the justice system to make the right decision. Afterwards of course, the whole system is corrupt. A very dangerous reaction because you don't just go attacking the foundation of the modern state; separation of powers. Another of their arguments is that this decision is against the freedom of speech. Which it isn't, it means they didn't listen to the decree. VB was found guilty not because of what they believe but because they were propagating racist opinions and targeting immigrants in our society. I however do not believe in the american system of "let everyone say what they want and step in when they start acting on it". Well, not on a political level anyway. There is a difference between addressing a existent problem and what VB is doing. I don't think that letting something like VB exist is innocent. They are just spreading believes and letting opinions fester. Besides, their ties to neo-nazi groups is out right frightening.

And about letting immigrants vote? I say; hold a referendum. Of course they won't do that because they know the answer will be negative if they do. And really, shouldn't that already solve the whole problem? They're supposed to represent the people, well then do what they want, for crying out loud! I don't believe we should let immigrants vote. If you want to have your say in belgian politics then you should become belgian. It's a matter of devoting yourself to the country you live in. Don't ask for rights if you don't want the duties that come with it. Voting should be about integrating in a country and becoming a part of it.