I don't really think that I'm overstating the popularity of TDS, at least among liberals. Even (intelligent) conservatives seems to respect Stewart. Granted, other than just about every person in my life (from either camp) I know loving TDS, my thoughts on it's popularity is based almost solely on the admiration and attention that Tery Gross (of NPR's Fresh Air) gives it, and I feel that she speaks for a good portion of the left. Even if I am wrong about its reach, it represents a more appealing American viewpoint than that of Fox News, so even if it's an inaccurate portrayal of the general consensus, it might still keep me from having to frequently make clear to Europeans that I am from northern California, not America, so as to shut them up about how I personally am contributing to the downfall of civilization.

Which brings me to your next point: Holland is tolerant, yes, but that is a far cry from accepting. Not that the San Francisco bay area is perfect, but it is pretty damn accepting. Holland is at best middle of the road psuedo-liberal, and very conservative once you get out of the cities. Many people pay lip service to tolerance but you can bet they don't have the Moroccan family from next door over for dinner. I've heard more off the cuff racist statements here than ever at home, and these are Amsterdamers too, not farmers. Sure, they're jokes, but go a little deeper and you find that though the person is laughing, there is fear and ignorance there. I won't go too far into it, but being from a place that I consider to be a fairly good model for true tolerance, Holland (and even Amsterdam) is severely lacking, or at least not living up to its reputation. I know I must sound like a bleeding heart here, but don't mistake these sentiments as angry complaints, but just surprised observations that you might find interesting.

This got off-track, but my point was that Holland is not a hippy-dippy crunchy granola as you might think and the atmosphere here around immigration is pretty hateful, even from people who consider themselves to be fairly left-wing. I wasn't really even speaking to that aspect of Holland though, but more to the collective move towards privatization of once social programs. That's the blueprint I was referring to.

p.s. I cannot believe that people take Colbert seriously. I've heard it before, but have never met any. They must be so confused about his being on Comedy Central, and his friendship with Jon Stewart. I guess these are the people that cry when their favorite wrestler is robbed of his rightful victory.