By Andrew P. Napolitano
The president's men trash the Constitution to pursue antagonists
While some Europeans swelled with pride when the European Union won the Nobel Peace Prize, howls of derision erupted from the continent's large band of skeptics.
We say that we're not at war with Islam. Yet it's been abundantly clear since Sept. 11, 2001, that a contingent of Islam is at war with us ("5 Questions with Geert Wilders," Web, Sept. 14).
The Netherlands has long been a source of inspiration for closer European integration – and a bellwether of European discontent.
The Netherlands long has been a source of inspiration for closer European integration — and a bellwether of European discontent.
The Dutch finance minister flew home early Sunday from International Monetary Fund meetings to discuss the future of austerity measures torpedoed by euro-skeptic lawmakers and to reassure ratings agencies that he wants to put his country's budget back on track.
A Dutch court acquitted populist politician Geert Wilders of hate speech and discrimination Thursday, ruling that his anti-Islam statements, while offensive to many Muslims, fell within the bounds of legitimate political debate.
Although the Netherlands is widely recognized as a bea- con for liberalism, tolerance and freedom of speech, the last decade has proved that it is perhaps not as tolerant as many thought it to be, as both tolerance and freedom of speech have been under attack, literally in the murders of Islam critics Pim Fortuyn and Theo van Gogh.
Dutch member of Parliament Geert Wilders is on trial in the Netherlands for "incitement to hatred and discrimination." His crime was daring to criticize Islam.
Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders appealed for freedom of expression Monday and then exercised his right to silence as he went on trial for purported hate speech at a time when his popularity and influence in the Netherlands are near all time highs.
American Muslims are boosting security at mosques, seeking help from leaders of other faiths and airing ads underscoring their loyalty to the United States — all ahead of a 9/11 anniversary they fear could bring more trouble for their communities.
Three right-wing political parties in the Netherlands began formal coalition talks Monday, exactly two months after Dutch voters went to the polls, with the aim of establishing the country's first minority government since World War II.
Argentina legalized same-sex marriage Thursday, becoming the first country in Latin America to declare that gays and lesbians have all the legal rights, responsibilities and protections that marriage brings to heterosexual couples.
Last week, the Dutch police raided the home of Gregorius Nekschot (a pseudonym meaning "Gregory Deathblow"). Mr. Nekschot makes rude and often sexually explicit cartoons that poke fun at the multicultural society and at religious people, especially Muslims. The police confiscated his computer and a number of drawings. The cartoonist was also arrested and jailed for 36 hours but has been released until his court case is due.
Last week, the Dutch police raided the home of Gregorius Nekschot (a pseudonym meaning "Gregory Deathblow"). Mr. Nekschot makes rude and often sexually explicit cartoons that poke fun at the multicultural society and at religious people, especially Muslims. The police confiscated his computer and a number of drawings. The cartoonist was also arrested and jailed for 36 hours but has been released until his court case is due.
Mr. Wilders, who argues that Europe has turned into a costly charity project for his country.
Dutch vote will test EU’s popularity in tough economic times →
He says that wealthy northern European nations such as the Netherlands and Germany have spent billions bailing out debt-ridden governments in Greece and Portugal, which he casts as profligates beyond reform.
Dutch vote will test EU’s popularity in tough economic times →
