With faculty sponsor, Dr. James Kaatz, Missouri State University students studied some of the unique aspects government in the Low countries.
More specifically, governmental arrangements are quite different from those found in the United States. The municipal government of Amsterdam is divided into districts which have their own governing councils, while the city has one city council that rules on most of the larger issues. This government then operates within the Dutch federal system which in turn is part of the European Union. Also, Amsterdam and the Netherlands have a history of political and religious tolerance that is being challenged by recent political developments. Finally, the students received first-hand knowledge of public works projects, city planning, social issues, and wars’ effects on the land and society
Their trip included a meeting with Member of Parliament, Andre Bosman, a visit to the Parliamentary libary, and a chance encounter with a protester whose sign reads “Jesus is not a mousetrap.” They took a canal boat tour, visited the Cheese Market in Alkmaar, and toured the Red Light District; posing with Belle statue (a tribute to sex workers).
Students toured the Brugge City Hall, visited the German Cemetery in Flanders (all three battles of Ypres), British Commonwealth war graves (same three battles), the Menin Gate, which is a Commonwealth war memorial, and investigated German trenches at Passchendaele.
Not sure about these last three. Suspect the chocolate and beer are associated with this very helpful citizen.