Tuesday night, while almost dozing off, I “received” important advice: “pick your battles” a.k.a. “choose your battles wisely“. I made a quick note of that idea in order not to forget. Perhaps, I had to be reminded given my dilemma of Tuesday: stick to my principles or avoid penalties? I’ve made my choice. My revenge will take place at the Dutch general election of 17 March 2021.
The C. JoyBell C. quote above is a paraphrase of the words of Sun Tzu (544 BC – 496 BC), an ancient and famous Chinese military strategist: “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight” (source). In other words, my protest against mandatory mouth masks would not change anything. My 17 March vote could change the status quo of 75 versus 75 seats.
For several decades, I voted for the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), “a conservative-liberal political party in the Netherlands”. This party used to support businesses and individual freedom. If LinkedIn user comments are indicative then Prime Minister Mark Rutte is in for a surprise. Also see my recent blog: Zijn de corona protesten vooral in de VVD aanhang?
At this moment, I see no alternative. The only party in favour of businesses and individual freedom is in shambles after a revolution against its extremist leader Thierry Baudet. Also see my recent blog: Thierry Baudet’s omvolking door 3 miljoen corona doden. Opinion polls suggest a decimation of his party, Forum for Democracy. Somehow, I doubt that.
I would not be surprised if the Netherlands will need 5 to 8 political parties for creating a parliamentary majority rather than the 4 parties right now that only have 75 seats in a House of 150 seats (Wiki). Dutch leftist parties only account for 41 or 27% of House seats (ie, GL, PvdA, PvdD, SP). Parties at the Dutch political right are often splinters.
After decades of budget cuts in the Dutch healthcare system, including the closing of several hospitals, the Dutch government is finally facing a reckoning due to the coronavirus. Mark Rutte’s recent pivoting from conservative-liberal to left-liberal is too little, too late and shallow.
The various Dutch Christian and Liberal governments have picked a battle against their own principles: businesses, caring for the elderly, economy, healthcare, and individual freedom. Many battles were picked more wisely.
Wisemen (2005) by James Blunt
artist, lyrics, video, Wiki-1, Wiki-2
Look who’s alone now
It’s not me, it’s not me
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless stated otherwise.
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