The Netherlands Welcome Donald Trump. “Please Make Us Second . . . “
I can see going forward there will be a lot of humor. Trust me it will be great . . .
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It is worth noting that politics in the Netherlands has started taking a Trumpian tone. A couple of months ago, the king of the Netherlands, who looks a bit like Trump but with better hair, gave his annual speech at the opening of the new parliamentary year of the Staten-Generaal (Dutch Senate and House of Representatives). A very, very rough translation of the speech is here. Despite the poor quality of the translation it can be understood. This piece could have been said by The Donald:
The Prime Minister recently was even more directly, essentially telling immigrants to behave normally or go home. And the guy who will probably get the most votes in the upcoming election, Geert Wilders, is even more Trumpian.
Mike:
I disagree, the bulk of his speech is very positive.
This: “With the social partners, the government has agreed a number of specific measures. Thus the rules for seasonal work to be relaxed and get unemployed people over 50 intensive support in finding work. The minimum wage over 21 years will be abolished in two steps, because young people deserve a full wage. Employers are receiving compensation to counteract negative effects on employment.”
and this: “Netherlands has in recent years been under the feet again solid ground. The financial and economic crisis is behind us. We live in a prosperous and attractive country, also in comparison with other countries, and have good facilities, good infrastructure and a strong rule of law. We have a lot to be proud of and to build.”
this also: “This cabinet period starts from the conviction that sound public finances and a strong economy are the foundation of a good and inclusive social system, good health care and good education and a high quality of other public services for future generations. For all major changes that have occurred, the objective of government policy remained unchanged: to ensure a future where progress, innovation and economic growth can continue along with protection, solidarity and look after each other – in the best traditions of our country.”
besides this: “Never before have so many great reforms were once put in motion, often with the support of opposition parties and civil society. That happened in health care and education, employment and housing, and in the state pension, energy and financial sectors.”
and this: “the rules for seasonal work to be relaxed and get unemployed people over 50 intensive support in finding work. The minimum wage over 21 years will be abolished in two steps, because young people deserve a full wage. Employers are receiving compensation to counteract negative effects on employment.”
this: ” Cooperation is essential in Europe for the open Dutch economy. ”
plus this: “definitely room for growth of incomes and for targeted investments in the future. It is gratifying that the purchasing power is growing again this year and next year for workers, the elderly and people on benefits.”
and: “It is important that children at risk of growing up in poverty can participate in school trips may be a member of a sports club and the opportunity to go to music lessons. For this, 100 million euros. Proposed cuts in long-term elderly and disabled are deleted the size of half a billion euros. In schools, extra money available to promote equal opportunities. The allowance for specific school fees in secondary vocational education, such as clothing, tools and software, is going up.”
and: The effects of climate change require substantial investments and innovations in renewable energy sources such as wind, water and sunlight. Agreements on an affordable and clean energy are set out in the Energy Agreement. This development is not only good for the environment but also creates jobs and opportunities for Dutch businesses.
and”
We can not and will not allow in any way that terrorists threaten our freedom, our security and our democratic values.
” this does not mean soldiers on every corner or restricted entry. The Dutch refuse to be threatened.
and “Our soldiers and aid workers there and elsewhere in the world perform in difficult conditions, important work in the service of international stability and people in distress.”
There is more; but, I made my point. Netherlands are not becoming fortress Netherlands like Fortress Trump-USA. They are not closing the doors on immigration. Mike. you are wrong. My European friends are facing the issues rather than hiding behind walls.