RAKING THE ASHES:

Dutch have own reasons to balk (Marlise Simons, JUNE 1, 2005, The New York Times)

Among the main complaints, reflected in opinion polls, is that the Dutch feel pushed around by the big countries and that the heavy machinery of the Union lacks transparency and democracy. They see no reason why they should be the largest net per capita contributor to a union in which they are not the richest member and in which the new constitution would make them lose political weight.

The Dutch were furious when, after seriously tightening their belts over the last two years to respect union rules for budget deficits, France and Germany highhandedly ignored those same rules. They were equally angry more recently when Italy and Greece admitted they had provided false budget information.

But the Dutch are disgruntled about more than just the neighbors. Opinion polls point to a broader disenchantment with life in the Netherlands today, reflecting a state of mind that seems driven by fear - fear of lower living standards, but also fear of losing national identity.

These fears are triggered by the expanding union and by the large and rapid influx of immigrants in recent years

At last life begins to becomes too ugly for even Europeans.

Posted by Orrin Judd at June 1, 2005 8:18 AM