That's right - the Dutch re-elected 'Harry Potter' once more - unfortunately you are right: he doesn't possess the magic qualities of leadership.

For those of you who don't know why the Dutch press call Jan Peter Balkenende 'Harry Potter' have a look at his picture below left - compared with the real Harry Potter (right):
http://home.planet.nl/~elder180/imag...02verschil.jpg

[ 01-25-2003, 10:35 AM: Message edited by: Skunk ]

I saw a German poll that said over 55% of Germans would be against the war even if the UN does authorize it.

Well, if polls show that only a small portion of our population is actually supporting the Iraqi War (similar to what Ronn_Bmann is talking about), I'd say our Government is not taking the side they should take in this matter. Most people are completely against one or only supporting one if the UN thinks it's necessary.
And a Government with CDA and PVDA is a lot more to the left than a Government with CDA, VVD and LPF; which is what I was referring to. I didn't say it's left-winged (Pvda is hardly left anymore nowadays), I said it's more to the left. Giving me at least *some* hope. [img]smile.gif[/img]

And walking away from their responsibilities? What responsibilities? But on the other hand, we've been over this matter many times, johnny, and agreeing on anything Iraq/asylum seekers/muslim-related with you has been proven to be completely impossible. So I'll just get off your back now, for peace's sake. ;)
*hands johnny a can of beer*

[ 01-25-2003, 12:30 PM: Message edited by: Grojlach ]

*off topic*

*drinks beer* You sure know how to drive a hard bargain. :D

Just for curiosity, in America, I think I'm considered to be "on the right" politically, so would I be considered "on the Left" in Europe? :D

We're not THAT different, what's right is right.

Not too sure... I think the two systems are almost uncomparable, really. But mostly, both the Democrats and the Republicans are pretty much middle-of-the-political-spectrum-parties, with the Democrats inclining towards the European left and the Republicans to the right. I think the two party system actually makes the US a little more conservative as well (as more extreme and progressive elements of the two main parties don't often organize themselves in seperate parties to be actual worthy contenders during the elections), especially compared to other European countries like The Netherlands (*cough*legalized softdrugs*cough*gay marriages*cough*legalized prostitution*cough*legalized euthanasia*cough*legalized abortion*cough* ;) ).

In most West-European countries, you've got a lot more different parties, with all kinds of opinions, varying from communists (far left) to almost-racists (far right). And to take The Netherlands for example, parties never lead the Government on their own; they have to form a coalition with other parties to reach a majority in de Tweede Kamer (kinda like the House of Representatives [img]smile.gif[/img] ); a minority Government is also possible, but then you'd end up with more opposition than actual supporters. ;) But with more parties in a political system, there's a bigger chance of "fresher" ideas (decide for yourself if that's a good or a bad thing ;) ) and progression in some categories.

Anyways, I'm drifting off... Left is left and right is right, only in Europe you've got more than just two main parties to keep an eye on for the actual Government, most of the time. The political landscape is more diverse.

[ 01-25-2003, 01:36 PM: Message edited by: Grojlach ]

Thanks johnny. ;)

Grojlach, that was interesting and confusing....lol! :D

You're right about conservative and liberal ideals in America crossing party lines, and that's more of what I was thinking. A non-party, conservative or liberal comparison, but as you say, I'm not really sure it's possible.

I know, I'm confused by my own post as well. [img]graemlins/uhoh2.gif[/img] I've edited it 5 times already and I'm still not sure where I was trying to head with my train of thought. Oh well, just go for Johnny's post with the simple answer, then. :D

[ 01-25-2003, 01:41 PM: Message edited by: Grojlach ]

Even if I didn't understand some of it, I was still impressed! :D