War of the Worlds

There's no revolution in Belgium. Really.

What moron thought this would be a good idea?

Even the Jean-Claude Juncker, the prime minister from neighboring Luxembourg, was angry and let it be know at the opening of the European Union summit. "This is not the kind of issue you play around with," he said.

The RTBF's phony newscast reported that the "Flemish parliament has unilaterally declared the independence of Flanders" and that King Albert and Queen Paola had left on the first air force plane available.

I can't even begin to guess, off the top of my head, how many Heads of State have actually had to flee for their lives because of a coup just in the last 100 years. Constantine of Greece, Michael of Romania... this shit isn't funny nor is it a way to spark a debate. It's a good thing for the morons at RTBF that His Majesty can't have people flogged for this. Hell, I'd feel this way if NBC pulled this stunt saying Bush was leaving the Office and the White House on Marine One. If it isn't true, don't put it on the news!

The RTBF's phony newscast reported that the "Flemish parliament has unilaterally declared the independence of Flanders" and that King Albert and Queen Paola had left on the first air force plane available.

The broadcast showed jubilant demonstrators waving the yellow-and-black flag with the Flemish Lion outside the legislature. A small crowd of monarchists rallied outside the royal palace waving the Belgian flag.

Reporting that the royal family fled did not go down well at the palace, which said in a statement the hoax was in "bad taste."

This isn't bad taste, it's sheer stupidity.

About the only people who enjoyed the program were the separatist far-right Flemish Interest party. It wants to get rid of the king and thought it could see a flash of its future in an independent Flanders.

"I want to congratulate the RTBF for this daring show," said Flemish Interest leader Filip Dewinter.

Moron.