Wooden Shoes and Burkas

Dutch moving to ban burkas in public?

The country’s hardline Integration Minister, Rita Verdonk, known as the Iron Lady for her series of tough anti-immigration measures, told Parliament that she was going to investigate where and when the burka should be banned. The burka, traditional clothing in some Islamic societies, covers a woman’s face and body, leaving only a strip of gauze for the eyes.

Mrs Verdonk gave warning that the “time of cosy tea-drinking� with Muslim groups had passed and that natives and immigrants should have the courage to be critical of each other. She recently cancelled a meeting with Muslim leaders who refused to shake her hand because she was a woman.

The proposals are likely to win the support of Parliament because of the expected backing by right-wing parties. But they have caused outrage among Muslim and human rights groups, who say that the Government is pandering to the far Right.

Still though, bans on clothing?

It’d be nice if Europe could find some middle ground. Stop it’s cycling between a caricature of some spineless lefty-librarian, mamby-pamby and the freedom trampling “Hammer Party� from The Wall

Europe’s a funny place. Reminds me of an alcoholic, always talking bout the evils of drink, lecturing everyone on that Great Satan, droning on how it’s the furthest thing from their minds and lips.

Despite their protests though, every now and then you see a flash, letting you know somewhere, deep inside, they still itch to get their hands on a flask, guzzle down some of the good stuff – and when they do, brother, look out, cause they’re going on a bender.

posted by Dr. Reo Symes at 01:29 PM

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