The Netherlands: Left wins local elections

[YoMartin]

They accept people from other religions (atheist...

Now they need our votes after setting atheists on fire for centuries...

BTW, you could say atheism is a question of faith too, but I guess it´s too much to call it a "religion".

[minionofmidas]

ChristenUnie is slightly more left wing than CDA in social issues, more conservative in moral issues, and eurosceptic.

You were not using the American definition of a "social issue" here, methinks. Define social vs moral issues, plz. Also, what about their economic stance?

[freek]

ChristenUnie is slightly more left wing than CDA in social issues, more conservative in moral issues, and eurosceptic.

You were not using the American definition of a "social issue" here, methinks. Define social vs moral issues, plz. Also, what about their economic stance?

I wasn't aware that there is a difference in the European and American definitions of social issues.

Moral issues: the typical things for a christian party. Abortion, euthanasia, drugs, pornography, homosexuality. CU is against all of these. Officially CDA is against too, but they don't make a fuss about it. CDA hasn't attempted yet to turn back the liberal abortion, euthanasia and drugs laws, although they are not too happy about it. I would be amazed when CU takes part in a cabinet with no policy change in at least one of these subjects.

Social issues/economic stance: The Balkenende cabinet has initiated an unprecedented serie of reforms in social welfare. Unemployment benefits, early retirement, health insurance, benefits for people unable to work. It all became too expensive. Also the immigration laws are stricter now. CDA was for these plans, CU is staunchly against.

CU calls themselves a christian social party. They would fit perfectly in a CDA/PvdA/CU cabinet, I think.

[Gabu]

I wasn't aware that there is a difference in the European and American definitions of social issues.

To put it in simple terms, what North Americans mean by "social issues" is basically what you mean by "moral issues".  There are basically three different sorts of issues for us: social issues (abortion, euthenasia, gay marriage, etc.), economic issues (tax rates, minimum wage, welfare, etc.), and foreign policy issues (self-explanatory).

[Angel of Death]

You think that's bad? Try "economic liberalism". Of course, I think it's only certain Americans that have a differing understanding of the term than the rest of the world.