Why Belgium is blithe
From Mr Bruno Vander Cruyssen Sir: I have followed Paul Belien's articles over the years with interest, as he is, unusually for Belgium, an articulate proponent of the conservative cause.
He is here (`Perfidious Belgium', 13 July) again correct in identifying the source and level of corruption in the Belgian state, and in the society which tolerates it. In my experience, Belgians are largely indifferent to corruption, from their politicians or otherwise. Tax evasion is rampant, and carries no shame; tax inspectors are routinely bribed; inspectors for the food standards ministry are known to be in the pocket of hormone traffickers or, alternatively, assassinated, in one recent case.
Some have argued that the Belgians' lack of outrage is the product of a survivor culture, fed by the traumas of invasions and occupations over the centuries. More likely it is the result of the paternalist state itself; once one pays one's taxes, one's social responsibilities end.
De Gaulle once wrote that history does not teach fatalism; people get the history they deserve. In Belgium it should be said that the political class and the electorate deserve each other.
Bnino Vander Cmyssen twei02(cii, hotmail.com
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