Swiss vote to ban minaret construction

[Aevis]

you're right and the sad thing is, that our federal council had the chance to disapprove it before it went to acclarnation. or to check it, if it's even legal. they didn't do anything because they didn't take it seriously. they acknowledged this shortly after the results were clear and are now worried about the reaction from muslim countries + if it doesn't break any agreement with the EU etc. not the first time that nothing happend until it was too late to do much.

[Demosthenes11]

if you want to really piss muslims off, just make it mandatory to paint a gigantic mural of muhammed on all mosques and to make it seem fair, do the same for each church and their god. It just helps people distinguish which building is which

[Rothbardian]

The biggest problem with this referandum is that...it shouldn't have been made. It may sound democratic, but in true democracies you don't ask these kind of questions to the citizens. Who knows, they may even vote "yes" to kicking all minorities out of the country. Minority rights should be protected by the constitution and such referandums shouldn't be allowed.

The desires of the majority should be limited by the rights of the minority at least. I find minarets unnecessary in cities where you don't even call for prayer, but a "ban" is just wrong.

What you are describing is a Constitutional Republic, not a Democracy. All a Democracy is, is 50.1% of the people telling the 49.9% of the people how they can, or cannot live. Usually flip-flops back and forth, in the end you not only lose your economic liberty, but also your civil liberties. On top of that, all Democracies eventually devolve into Despotism. It really is one of the worst system of Governance (They all are anyways). It also breeds total contempt and animosity in the population. Not exactly the snuggly feeling, now eh?

I also find it funny no one is arguing based on private property, but on a Governmental agency outside the purview of elections should be able to aye or nay a building. Private property is the basis for rights, essentially everyone in Europe is bestowed rights by the State and as such, they can be taken away at any given time. No need to complain folks, you asked for it. Secondly, didn't the Swiss recently pass some gun ordinance? Such a shame. You guys at least know how to run a National Defense (Militia) and keep out of other's affairs.

Just curious, you guys have any radical liberals (libertarians) in Switzerland?

[Zalius]

lets not forget the alamo

[Olo401]

Let's not forget Silvio Berlusconi.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XSBr7nPlWE

[Aevis]

Secondly, didn't the Swiss recently pass some gun ordinance? Such a shame. You guys at least know how to run a National Defense (Militia) and keep out of other's affairs.

Just curious, you guys have any radical liberals (libertarians) in Switzerland?

not sure of what you're thinking regarding the gun ordinance. the only thing i can remember is, that people serving can finally store their gun in the armory (if they want) and aren't forced to keep it at home anymore.

we had a liberal party which recently joined the FDP (free-democratic party), the 3rd largest party. 2nd largest are the SP (social-democratic party) and 1st are the SVP (swiss people party).

[Nevex]

I don't really understand why you would want to ban something that seems so unimportant and does not really require from anyone else. Or maybe i just don't hate Muslims enough.

Because they saw how the situation here in Italy is turning out. They're simply discouraging immigration.

If nationalism doesn't mean anything anymore then simply let Europe become like the U.S. and ban every language except English, at least people don't waste 18 years learning a completely useless language outside of their country.

Fix the major issues first, then worry about the construction (or lack of thereof) of minarets. People who leave their country need to expect that part of their traditions are inevitably going to be lost.

[Jodwahh]

The swiss don't really have any major issues lol. Unless it's time to wind up the cuckoo clocks they have bugger all else to do.

[Blabj]

The swiss don't really have any major issues lol. Unless it's time to wind up the cuckoo clocks they have bugger all else to do.

<Insert Sound of Music reference here>.

[Demosthenes11]

Because they saw how the situation here in Italy is turning out. They're simply discouraging immigration.

If nationalism doesn't mean anything anymore then simply let Europe become like the U.S. and ban every language except English, at least people don't waste 18 years learning a completely useless language outside of their country.

Fix the major issues first, then worry about the construction (or lack of thereof) of minarets. People who leave their country need to expect that part of their traditions are inevitably going to be lost.

lol
your tears are delicious to we americans

[Acturus]

Because they saw how the situation here in Italy is turning out. They're simply discouraging immigration.

If nationalism doesn't mean anything anymore then simply let Europe become like the U.S. and ban every language except English, at least people don't waste 18 years learning a completely useless language outside of their country.

Fix the major issues first, then worry about the construction (or lack of thereof) of minarets. People who leave their country need to expect that part of their traditions are inevitably going to be lost.

I wish America was a great as you describe it.

[Jodwahh]

lol
your tears are delicious to we americans

I'm not surprised you think they're delicious, you fatties will eat anything.

[Kyreth]

If nationalism doesn't mean anything anymore then simply let Europe become like the U.S. and ban every language except English, at least people don't waste 18 years learning a completely useless language outside of their country.

Erm, you do realize that we don't ban other languages here in the USA. Though I'm all for "American English" being the national language, and folks being required to learn it and use it to reside here.

My great-grandparents and grandparents (depending on which side of the family) had to learn English to be part of America. Yet I have to deal with people every day that can't even say the words "Bus pass.", or read the signs posted clearly on every door.

[Mayareira]

Nationalism to a certain degree is tolerated and expected in Europe. I see it as a necessary "balance".

However, if you cross the "fine line" like Jorg Haider did you may get barraged by the media, get your reputation ruined and may even end up in a very unfortunate accident...

[Yuri-G]

Erm, you do realize that we don't ban other languages here in the USA. Though I'm all for "American English" being the national language, and folks being required to learn it and use it to reside here.

My great-grandparents and grandparents (depending on which side of the family) had to learn English to be part of America. Yet I have to deal with people every day that can't even say the words "Bus pass.", or read the signs posted clearly on every door.

don't get me started. if there's any one area in which I'm racist, it's this. I can't stand it when people move to America and don't learn English. reminds me of Goobacks, I totally sympathize with Stan trying to order his double cheeseburger.

I kinda feel like a racist jerk for thinking this way, but I just can't wrap my head around the idea of moving to another country and expecting everyone else to adapt to you, and not the other way around.

[Jakson]

Them swiss are always hating on the outsiders

[Akucaen]

I guess I'm not the only American amused at this.

[Kuya]

Because they saw how the situation here in Italy is turning out. They're simply discouraging immigration.

If nationalism doesn't mean anything anymore then simply let Europe become like the U.S. and ban every language except English, at least people don't waste 18 years learning a completely useless language outside of their country.

Fix the major issues first, then worry about the construction (or lack of thereof) of minarets. People who leave their country need to expect that part of their traditions are inevitably going to be lost.

You are Italian. Italians are all fascists.

[pohibaba]

If nationalism doesn't mean anything anymore then simply let Europe become like the U.S. and ban every language except English, at least people don't waste 18 years learning a completely useless language outside of their country.

Tell this to every single billboard within 10 miles of my house that are all in Spanish. Also, tell this to the grocery store near my house (which also has the cheapest prices, which is why I shop there) that has everything labeled in Spanish with English words really small at the bottom.

[Faris]

us muslims have earned this discrimination from the West.

not saying its right, but well, we deserve all this bullshit.