Dutch Politics

Dutch politics are interesting. As unfathomable as it seems to an American, there seems to be a real tendency to resolve problems without a lot of posturing and grandstanding for votes. Watching Dutch TV you see politicians answering questions on issues, providing succinct answers (in Dutch), then waiting patently for the next question or making a short statement. No marching bands, no dancing girls, no smarmy smile and prepared sound bytes. Just, Reporter: “What are you going to do about this sir?” Politician: “We’re going to send them to Belgium.”

Of course, another difference is that all the Dutch politicians look like nerds. They look much more like your corporate accountant or a veterinarian than the American ideal of photogenic hair (plastic) and concerned (constipated) appearance (excepting our occasional child-molester/Jessie Helms type).

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