Friday, May 1, 2009

Karst Tates- the man who tried to kill the Dutch royals

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article6206084.ece

It can be assumed that Queen's Day, which is the annual holiday that honors the Sovereign, will never be the same. Queen's Day is celebrated on April 30, which is the birthday of the late Queen Juliana, but the day actually honors the present sovereign. Queen Beatrix was born in January, and a cold, dreary January day is not a good day for a national holiday.
Yesterday, a Dutchman, Karst Tates got into his car, drove at a break-necking speed and tried to ram into the bus that included members of the Dutch Royal Family. Queen Beatrix was one of the royals on the bus.
Tates was not able to complete his mission because his car hit a monument, and not the royal bus. It was said that he was despondent over recent economic changes in his life, including the loss of a job and his home. But losing your job is not a reason to go and try to kill someone. Tates lived in the Netherlands, which has social safety net. He would have been able to find a place to live, eat, and get paid by the State while he looked for a new job. Instead of seeking help, he chose to get angry, and, in doing so, he mowed down innocent. Some are injured and six died. All innocent victims. Tates died today from his injuries.

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