U hebt reeds verloren.

U hebt reeds verloren. It’s a pretty simple Dutch sentiment meaning “You have already lost.” Unfortunately, these four little words sum up how the Dutch have met the challenge of radical Islamic Fundamentalism. They are statues of humanity creating the letter “N” with their submissive bodies. That is the formation created when one places one’s head firmly in the sand and one’s hands high in the air.

Some would argue that I am ignoring the current arrests of various radical Muslims who were apprehended after issuing death threats. They would tell me that the attempts to void Dutch Nationality of some of these offenders were a strong deterrent to the avocation of murderous behavior. They might even bring up the plans to expel three Muslim propagators of radical Muslim fundamentalism as proof positive that the Netherlands was serious about combating terrorism.

Tell that to Geert Wilders and Ayaan Hirsi Ali. As members of Dutch Parliament, they have been the recipients of death threats so numerous and legitimate that Wilders has resorted to sleeping in a local prison cell at night for his protection. He no longer answers his own telephone. The ability to perform the duties of democracy within his beloved Netherlands is compromised by the perceived threats to his life by radical Islamic fundamentalists. In short, the terrorists dictate his life while he consistently and continuously lives in fear. The terrorists have won.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s existence is not too much different. Her residence of choice these days is a naval base. However, her bodyguards sometimes deliver her to varying hotels. Again, the law abiding politician is on the run. She is terrified of the consequences of living a normal life because of the threats to her life by radical Islamic fundamentalists. It was her name in a letter attached to the corpse of Theo Van Gogh warning that her days were numbered. The terrorists have won in her case as well as she lives like a nomad in ongoing fear.

Now, consider the difference in mentality of our own country. With the exception of the "little girl", Mark Dayton (Dem-Minn) who ran home to Minnesota over some bogus terrorism threat in Washington D.C., it is pretty much business as usual. Sure, the safeguards have been raised, and vigilance is more of a religion than good advice. However, the only politician of record that seems to be sleeping in prison these days is James Traficant. And, he is on a well earned extended stay program.

The Netherlands have already lost, because they are not unwilling to confront the enemy within their midst. The mindset is that the “victim” need adjust to the threat. Their approach should be that the criminal/murderer/ conspirer of illegality be made to adjust their lifestyle so as to conform to civility. Failure to do so should be met with extreme and swift justice. Then perhaps the proper folks will be sleeping behind bars on a regular basis.

U oogst wat u zaait (You reap what you sow).