Except for Haider, the rather decorous and civilized Austrians are giving every indication they are going to knuckle under to the European pressure to take disgrace and humiliation like a man. But the problem for the Europeans is the intelligent and good looking Jorg Haider, leader of the Freedom Party, who has more than a little of the Beau Geste in him. Although only technically the governor of the province of Carinthia, Haider has control over his party, and the main functionaries are fiercely loyal followers who would most likely follow his every order. It is most likely true that as long as the Freedom Party holds power, there will never again be normal relations with the rest of Austria. We sent the right message to ourselves.
Civil rights are a matter of fad in Europe.
Free speech laws range from the wobbly to the weak, and it is still possible to be sued for slander for what here in the States is considered standard shots in the ball game. Historical books are banned like Mein Kampf , including humor books like Protocols of the Elder Zion and other standards for the whacko fascist and conspiratorial set. Religions are registered, and several churches here in the United States are banned there. Although banning Scientologists from sensitive government work is probably a good idea, actively working against them as terrorist plotters is not. This is all the direct result of leftism in general and socialism in particular.