Geert Wilders
The media-hype around Wilders never really died and just continued, reaching a new all-time high (or low, depending on your views) when on 21 January 2009 when a three judge court ordered prosecutors to try Wilders for preaching hate. Their statement argued that "In a democratic system, hate speech is considered so serious that it is in the general interest to... draw a clear line" and that "The court also considers appropriate criminal prosecution for insulting Muslim worshippers because of comparisons between Islam and Nazism made by Wilders". If convicted, he may get 16 months of jail time and a fine of 9866.67 euros. Again: it just caused a huge media-hype.
My view on this case is very simple: there currently is a grey area under Dutch law between what constitutes freedom of speech and preaching hate. I think it is a good idea to get those boundaries more clear. And a trial will just do that. So what is wrong with that? If our democracy is strong enough this will not pose a problem. In fact: even though I stronlgy disagree with Wilders views an opinions, I don't think he crossed the line (yet?). Yes, I consider his statements to be Islamophobic and short-sighted, but people are entitled to their opinions, no matter how dumb they are.
So, riding on this notority, Wilders started a 'world-tour' showing Fitna in different European countries. On February 10th, his first stop was Londen. Or so he thought. The Brittish government said he wasn't welcome under EU law, which allows a member state to bar individuals if they constitute a threat to public policy, security or health. Wilders went anyway and was promptly deported, never setting foot on British soil. Personally I think that was wrong: politicians should be allowed to spread their views anywhere, anytime. They are democratically elected by the people and have a right to represent those people.
Anyway: this week Wilders continued his tour by visiting the US, where he had a private screening of Fitna for some politicians on Capitol Hill. Unlike Great Brittain he was very much welcome there, as free speech is one of the driving forces behind the US democracy. The major difference between freedom of speech in the US and Holland is, that in the US it is considered as 'absolute freedom of speech'. Even if it hurts other peoples feelings or beliefs. Thats why even the KKK can say what they think in the US. I think a lot of people support Wilders just because they think that free speech should be 'absolute' in Holland as well and because they lost their faith in the current political parties governing our country.
It is my strong belief that the more Wilders opens his mouth, the easier it is to see that his views and solutions are just rubbish. There is not just one simple solution to the social-economic problems we have in our country. Turning to extremism towards the Islam, is becoming exactly what Wilders accuses the Islam of. The only difference is that Wilders considers his cause to be 'just' and 'righteous'.
If you want to know what this kind of extreme ideological thinking leads too, just take one look at the situation in Israel and Palestina. Is that what we want in Holland, Europe? Now, if only the rest of Holland would get their common sense back and realize this.
Anyway, here is an interesting interview with Wilders on the BBC.
More info on Wilders tour of the US:
Fox News: Geert Wilders Faces Jail Time for His Stance on Islam
CBNnews: Geert Wilders: Laws Stifle Islam Criticism
The Washington Post: Geert Wilders on Capitol Hill
Times Online: Far-right Dutch MP Geert Wilders barred from UK over anti-Islam film
