Is the Dutch Model of Tolerance Crumbling?

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Everything has its beginning and end. The Dutch model of so-called tolerance and flawless integration is crumbling down. Along the way the process went out of control. The founders, or better advocates, of the ideas could not see more that 35, 40 years into the future. Now the new generation is paying the price for the mistakes. It is vicious and it always works the same way. -- B. John Grenda, California, USA


The commentary by K. Dahmann on the plight of new (Muslim) immigrants in the Netherlands or for that matter any non-Muslim country was very thoughtful. The current situation has spiraled out of control. The levels of animosity between and ethnic/religious groups must be addressed effectively and immediately! The feelings of the people on both sides of this dilemma are at a fever pitch. It's probably difficult for either side to think rationally about respecting one another let alone arriving at a solution. All we can do is pray that a mutual understanding will miraculously occur and all people involved in this vicious circle can live again in peace. -- Alexis Nevsky, USA

When tolerant people dream the beautiful dream of incorporating immigrants into their country, they had best take a good look at the newcomers. Is it their aim to become loyal citizens, to learn the language and to fit into the culture? Or do they aim to change the dominant culture and impose their own, less tolerant and forgiving? I fear that Europe is on the edge of a precipice and that what is happening in the Netherlands will some day become the norm wherever these less-than-tolerant newcomers settle. Multiculturalism has enormous noxious consequences. -- Manuel H. Rodriguez, USA