WHOSE ANTI-IMMIGRANT RHETORIC IS THE TOUGHEST?

Tough measures to tackle problem youths from migrant backgrounds, DNA tests to prevent marriages between cousins, a ban on all clothing that conceals the face, a ban on broadcasting the call to prayer.

Tough language heralded the return of VVD (conservative) MP Henk Kamp to the lower house of the Dutch parliament. His message is aimed at voters; they don't have to defect to Geert Wilders or Rita Verdonk, they can stay in the VVD for tough anti-Islam rhetoric and anti-immigrant policies.

Some 30 percent of the Dutch electorate no longer vote along traditional lines. These swing voters are not influenced by principles or social economic questions; they are influenced by issues about which they are woefully ignorant but are the subject of tough talk by politicians. read more (radionetherlands.nl)

CONSTERNATION AT ‘DISCRIMINATORY’ MOTION read more (expatica.com)

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November 19, 2007