In other news: over here we call it Mexican Flu

[beelikej]

In the Netherlands we have two days on which we drop all cynicism and celebrate without sarcasm. It is an unwritten law we are collectively happy during:
1. the arrival of Sinterklaas in November
and
2. Queen's Day on April 30.

Today some fucker accidentally or intentionally drove his car into the crowd before ending up against a monument, killing and injuring several people in front of the royal family.

Live on tv, because the whole country was watching today's celebrations.
We still don't know anything about the driver. I only hope he doesn't die, so we can get an explanation and/or justice later.

Apart from obviously being shocked about people getting hurt, I'm mostly angry that someone managed to taint this day. Whatever happened, it will be remembered for years to come, especially since today's Queen's Day was extra special. Today would have been the 100th birthday of our old Queen Juliana.

Comments

[jaappie.livejournal.com]

The guy is a 38 year old Dutch guy, and he admitted to doing it intentionally :(

He got fired and couldn't pay his rent anymore. He had to move out of his house today. His neighbours claim that he's a nice guy. Stupid asshole killed 4 people! Queen's day will never be the same :(

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

I hate how whatever his life was like will be used as some sort of excuse for what he did. As if he is entitled to use his pain to lash out to others. It makes me very angry to know he got in his car with the intention to hurt people.

I hope the royal family and everybody else involved don't let this change their usual openness towards others. Queen's day always made me realize we are all the same when we enjoy silly games and act a little ridiculous. Even though I usually stay inside and don't get involved, it's heartwarming to see everybody full of good intentions on this day.
I'm sure we can keep it like that in the future, but not if the media keep pushing the security issue. Which in my opinion had nothing to do with it. If some nut wants to cause harm there is no stopping him. That may be a depressing thought, but I rather use that knowledge to inspire people to make the best of life as much as they can./rant

Wow. Hi. Let me get off my soapbox and say 'nice to meet you'. Your username confused me a bit, since it's my brother's name, but I figured he wouldn't use a Jared-icon *grins*. Have a happy J in return to take attention away from my harsh comment;)

[sillie]

Seriously. D:

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Indeed.

(Thanks for keeping me up to date by the way, I wouldn't have known until much much later if you hadn't brought it to my attention and that would have been weird.)

[rispacooper.livejournal.com]

I really hate suicidal assholes who think they ought to a) make a scene and b) take out other people.

I hope he lives the rest of his life in great agony.

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Same here.

So far five people have died. There is no additional news about the driver; he is badly injured and still being operated on. I want him to live to face the consequences.

[kennedy-unknown.livejournal.com]

That footage was awful. I never understand the need to take out other people along with yourself. Sometimes I wonder if it's fear of dying alone.

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

There was also footage from another angle right before the car hit the monument in which you can see people thrown into the air. It was unreal.
I just heard the driver died in the hospital. Now we'll never know what the fuck he was thinking.