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Far-right, anti-Islam bigot Geert Wilders is now the doyen of European fascists and a star for Americans harboring anti-Muslim, not just anti-Islam, animus.
There is criticism of Islam and criticism over the process of assimilation amongst some European Muslims, but then there is histrionic hatred. Wilders is the latter. It is not just that he criticizes Islam but that he makes appalling and purposely inflammatory statements (designed to invoke a hostile reaction against him as "prove" of the atavistic nature of Muslims) which are not only insanely prejudicial but also simply idiotic and reflective of nothing but the most callow and vulgar mind.
Wilders has compared the Qur'an to Hitler's Mein Kampf and called for it to be banned. This from a man who poses as a defender of freedom, no less. And has stated that Muslims have a "retarded culture". Considering the last statement. Even if you're not a fan of Islam is this really the mark of a mature critic to childishly say "that's retarded."? This is a buffoon's jargon.
Naturally, he is loved and adored by the American right. One of the most contemptible and vile Senators, and that's a tough title to grab considering the competition, is Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona who hosted Wilders for a Capital Hill gathering. This is akin to hosting a Klans man. And Wilders makes the circuits in America attacking Arabs and Muslims and boosting about his love for Israel.
It is somewhat reassuring to read that U.S. diplomats are not enamored:
The Wilders Factor: Golden-pompadoured, maverick parliamentarian Geert Wilders, anti-Islam, nationalist Freedom Party remains a thorn in the coalition's side, capitalizing on the social stresses resulting from the failure to fully integrate almost a million Dutch Muslims, mostly of Moroccan or Turkish descent. In existence only since 2006, the Freedom Party, tightly controlled by Wilders, has grown to be the Netherlands second largest, and fastest growing, party. Recent polls suggest it could even replace Balkenende,s Christian Democrats as the top party in 2011 parliamentary elections. Wilders is no friend of the U.S.: he opposes Dutch military involvement in Afghanistan; he believes development assistance is money wasted; he opposes NATO missions outside "allied" territory; he is against most EU initiatives; and, most troubling, he forments fear and hatred of immigrants.
