"Can we ever really look at the Dutch level of discourse as representative of the rest of the world's high water mark? No offense, but it's worn out when people say: we should legalize pot--the dutch did and there ok!"

Is that what people say? Where? I do know that in the UK they often look at the Dutch to see how they've accomplished things (like Europe's lowest teen pregnancy rates) but isn't it rather simplistic to simply believe that one can simply transfer skills or programs without looking at the complete social context?

I've never heard the Dutch say that they should be seen as examples for the world (and I speak Dutch). There are significant problems in Dutch society just as everywhere else (immigration / islamic integration is a big issue). I would however say that in my experience the general attitude in the Netherlands to sex and relationship is much healthier than in Anglo-Saxon societies. But that's a personal view only, based on many years experience.

Disclaimer - I've got a Dutch secondary so I'm probably biased ;-)

"Can we ever really look at the Dutch level of discourse as representative of the rest of the world's high water mark?"

What's that got to do with a TV show?

"No offense, but it's worn out when people say: we should legalize pot--the dutch did and there ok!; or we should let gays marry, the dutch did and there ok!; or the dutch are open to poly and there ok! And expect the rest of the world to think it's ok..."

Well, it is a fine example to use when someone starts saying "Legalizing pot will destroy society! Allowing gay marriage will destroy marriage! Next they'll be marrying dogs!"

Further, many people do need some validation. So being able to look at a culture where these things do happen and the culture doesn't implode is pretty decent.

You know maybe it's just me but you seem to have a negative edge in this post. By the way the second largest association of doctors in the US just endorsed more real research into medicinal uses of pot. So even though one might believe simple things, life isn't as simple as one would believe.

"So, is anyone going to get a transcript in English? I don't do Dutch too well..."

That would be a bit of work! But generally the gist was that it showed pretty "normal" people in long-term poly relationships (one was 12 years). It also emphasised that poly is about love first. Maybe there is sex, maybe there isn't.

The general reaction so far on the biggest Dutch poly forum is that the show probably left viewers with more questions than answers, but that it was pretty balanced in its presentation.

I'll pop a note to one of the people in the show to she if she's up to doing a summary. She's pretty cool - her name is Ageeth.

www.polyamorie.nl is her site.

She's written a bestselling book in Dutch on polyamory (it's in its third printing).