Readers react strongly to Geert Wilders' views on dual-nationality, and not everyone disagrees.

I don't really think that the issue is whether dual nationality should be allowed.  It's whether the country's political leaders should be allowed to have dual nationality, given that a conflict could arise between the Dutch and the second nation's interests over certain issues at some point, and the dual-national minister may have to make a decision then as to whose interests to support. A very legitimate issue has been raised.  For example, Arnold Schwarzenegger has US and Austrian passports - if he were to become President, as it appears he would aspire, it is certainly conceivable that he would have to take a stand on issues that would also involve Austria. Would this pose a conflict for him?  At the very least, this dual nationality could pose a problem with any perceived conflict of interest (whether real or not) and the ability of the public to trust the politician.  For that reason, even though I am myself a dual national, I do not believe that politicians should have dual nationality.

Regards,

Bonnie Stibbe

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Re: Geert Wilders' McCarthyism

Dear editor,

I grew up in the '50's. The Eisenhower Presidency did nothing; never spoke out on the views of J. McCarthy. McCarthy claimed that he had a list of 101 "communists" on the Congress floor and again later never showed proof. Nixon used these same tactics in his race for US Senate California and later, sat back as the government is doing this time. It took a few courageous men to finally bring him down. Most people would not know these names; they did a service to the country.

Tragic, this garbage went on for some years after McCarthy, and today it is the Muslims not the Communists who are often the scapegoats. There are always those who are trying to have us believe this is always the enemy instead of discussing what is important. And now we have Wilders, who uses immigrants, Muslims and those with two passports as the enemy.    
 
Regards,

Michael Kadin

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 RE: Wilders: left sows hate and aggression

Dear editor,
:
Geert Wilders is right that Europe is facing a wave of 'Islamisation'. If you don't believe this, just look at France and Spain, where there is increasing violence, social unrest and tension and where politicians and media alike are afraid of even identifying the problem as Islamic. France, for example, is well on its way to electing Europe’s’ first Muslim party.

Why must Mr Wilders' comments contribute to a climate of respect? Communities which cause the problem show no such respect. Neither do the many more "peaceful" Muslims who prefer inaction and silence over social responsibility. Respect is earned and entails social responsibilities. Yet most Muslims treat our European democracies as a meal ticket offered by naive weaklings. Perhaps they are right?

Regards,
Stefan Petrov

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Re: No answer on Mrs Wilders

Dear editor,

I'm not a supporter of Geert Wilders, but I think that his discussion on the double-passport holders in parliament is a relevant one. Can these members become compromised, and where do loyalties lie? As for his not answering questions relating to the nationality, or nationalities, of his wife I believe he is also correct. His wife's situation is irrelevant for precisely the reasons he gives. She is not in 'office' nor does she hold a function where her 'loyalties' could be compromised.

Regards,
Geoff Naylor

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Re: Passport debate unfortunate for workers

Dear editor,

I can not believe that this has gone on as long as it has. In America you can have two, the government frowns on it but in the 70's the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional to enforce such a law. It reminds me a bit of another famous European; Hitler. My wife is Dutch and she says she has no opinion, which is what Dutch people say when they agree but are with someone of another nationality. It's good to be proud, but how would they feel if they were in the US and told to give up their Dutch citizenship? I will not give up my American passport, although I will not return to America, this is my home, but I was born an American. I believe that Wilders, and others, are using this to draw attention to themselves. It’s time for someone with common sense to stop the nonsense and discuss real politics....

Regards,
Mark Kallmeyer

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 Re: Pechtold goes after Wilders

Dear editor,

I am also one of those terrible people - according to Wilders then - with two passports; British and Dutch. All I can say is that loyalty to an adopted country is not compromised by the acquisition of that country's passport in combination with the ‘birth’ passport. It comes from within oneself and so banning the non-Dutch passport would not affect ‘loyalty’ one way or the other. When I mention to ‘native’ Dutch people that I am deeply insulted by the likes of Wilders and those in the VVD and CDA who have made similar comments, the reply is an uncomfortable "no they don't mean you". No... indeed...they mean "real" allochtonen... from Turkey or Morocco. Hypocritical in the extreme! And, I am still insulted.

Regards,
Pat Stewart

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Re: "Dual nationality fuss unnecessary"

Dear editor,

Mr Wilders is now posing questions of loyalty for those of us possessing dual citizenship. Has Mr. Wilders ever emigrated to a new country and had to adapt to a new culture, new language, other social values? How can he address questions of loyalty not knowing what it feels like to be a citizen of more than one nation himself?  Does he think we all go around perpetually vexed with the problem of to whom we owe allegiance to?  On what premise does he make these ‘loyalty' assumptions? Or is this irrelevant to the academic question?

However, rather than focus so much attention on the one million people who are living in the Netherlands with more than one passport, but who have yet to raise havoc, create civil unrest, or illegally collect unemployment or old age pension benefits (which the local folk never do!) and instead silently and dutifully pay rising taxes, own cars and properties and attempt to assimilate to an increasingly unfriendly, unwelcome, polarised and divisive society - perhaps we should question Mr Wilders’ motives instead.  Is he raising this issue for the greater good of the Netherlands? Is he trying to protect the sovereign rights of the country? Is he concerned abut the economic consequences of disloyal citizens? Is he worried about the social responsibilities of individual citizens who have a broader world perspective? Does he believe that we ‘dual-types’ are more susceptible to terrorist activities, gun-running and war-mongering?

By all means Mr Wilders, maybe those of us with more than one passport should be forced to choose. In fact, I propose you conduct a referendum for all people holding both a Dutch passport and dual citizenship, and pose your questions of loyalty rather than assume the answers. But then, don't forget to include the entire Dutch population, meaning all those Dutch expats domiciled just over the borders in Belgium, Germany, France and Scandinavia because I believe as they say: 'it's cheaper to live there'. Not to mention the Dutch living throughout the rest of the EU.  Then there is South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, the US and South America, Russia and China. What the heck, you've got nothing to lose since you are so convinced about what it means to be loyal. But then the consequences are - that all Dutch citizens who have say since the post-war 1950's - emigrated, living abroad and acquired a second passport will also have to relinquish their Dutch citizenship. After all, that wouldn't be very loyal would it?

Simultaneously, I suggest that the Netherlands takes a closer look at the type of local politician(s) with absolutely no international expertise, experience and compassion for citizens of the world who hold positions of responsibility in public office on behalf of a so-called multi-cultural and democratic society? Isn't it possible that some of these very public officials pose more of a serious threat with their lonely, narrow-minded but proudly chest-beaten solo passport and are turning this once open, tolerant and friendly nation into a sad and backward place?

Regards,

Sue Young

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2 April 2007 

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Subject: Life in the Netherlands, expat opinion