Soon people will be speaking of a "Dutch Democracy" when they mean a country where the government does as it pleases without really listening to its people. Some years ago far more people voted for the Dutch Socialists: SP than for the Democratic Party D'66. Still the latter made it into the government seats in Parliament. Soom the Dutch people can vote in favour of or against the coming of a European Constitution. No matter if 90 percent of the people votes against, the government will respect the wishes of the people and proclaim a win for the new constitution. Like a boxer respects his opponent but still beats the .... out of him. Yeah.

In the same respect I can state that my opinion regarding my kids is fully respected. In the case of both kids and both their moms. In both cases, however, the ladies can do as they please and I will have to conform to their every wishes and whimps. My son's mom can state she will pay her son a visit, not show up an blame her illniss.
My daughter's mom can agree to the fact that I will pick up her daughter, not be there for the pick-up and blame her busy schedule as a busy mom with two kids.
Somehow I don't see that as fair.

Excuse me if I'm a bit down. It's just one of those lifes...er...days.