Comments on: Belgium Divided

By: dutchgirl

dutchgirl — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:56:35 +0000

While EU policy and the new push to pass an EU constitution has caused concern especially in small countries, the problems in Belgium appear more internal. It is likely that the government formation would be difficult even without the EU because of the nature of Belgium's political parties. Flanderers vote for nationalistic fellow Flanderers, while Wallionians do the same. I see this more as the result of the linguistic split in a country that is not truly bi-lingual. Children growing up in border towns of Flanders/Wallonia go to schools teaching in 'their' language. They don't play together because they don't speak the same language. Political parties don't play together for the same reason. Well, I wish Belgium luck but if it doesn't work out, rumor has it that Balkenende will welkom Flanderen to the Dutch fold.

By: Richard Gardner

Richard Gardner — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 07:54:51 +0000

For the Trappist ales, I like Koenigshoeven, formerly La Trappe. I am not an Orval fan. And there are some great Abbey ales too. But my view of Belgium is that both sides make great, often unique beers, and the beers and food are what make it a country/culture that is unique.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 23:30:40 +0000

There was an auction? I missed it!! Is it too late to bid on Belgium?

By: Grewgills

Grewgills — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 22:40:50 +0000

I have to second DC Loser. It is the Trappiste ales that must be saved. If you like the Chimays try the Rocheforts IMO they are even better. Dark, sweet, and super tasty.

By: Anderson

Anderson — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 22:24:39 +0000

Just wanted to comment in general that I enjoy the less-heavily-blogged, foreign-policy posts that we've seen in, I think, greater number lately.

I may not be alone in being less likely to post a comment for a post that's interesting but doesn't have a polemical comment thread, & just didn't want the value of those posts to be gauged by that criterion.

Thanks, JJ!

By: DC Loser

DC Loser — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 21:49:10 +0000

The nation of Belgium holds a special place in my heart as I lived there shortly during the late 80s. Since I lived in Wallonia, I'm more partial to the works of the Peres Trappistes, like Chimay.