Congratulations to the UK for the Brexit vote. Having seen the outcome, and having considered the discussion, I am convinced they made the right decision. My reasons are this.
First, sovereignty. Decisions like who can come into your country must be in the hands of the citizens of the country involved not in some non-democratic government across the water. The UK has a parliament and they have to have sovereignty to preserve the best interests of that nation. If Europe is for real, and nations like the UK are to be involved, then there needs to a full elected government from the President down and a disempowering of national governments. However, as the UK is only one country among many, they put themselves in the position of being dominated by others who have a different agenda. So, the decision gives the UK sovereignty again. They can now take control of who is coming and going from their country with points systems like Australia and England. They can now work to make the society they have work, with all its diversity. This is what we have in NZ, and it is great. That will not be easy, but they can decide their own destiny.
Second, the challenge to Empire. I am delighted to see the breakdown of the impulse toward Empire that is arising in the world. Europe is a quasi-empire. Sure, it is not one formed through violent force as in many instances in history, but Europe’s union is in effect the formation of another imperial power that could easily morph into something hideous. This is especially so with the rise of right wing movements through Europe. While this can be seen as right wing, the UK’s exit actually disempowers the power of Europe and reduces the danger. It also means that if something hideous occurs in Europe, the UK can stand against it and is not swept up in it. All Empires are dangerous. We live in a world in which they are on the rise – Europe, China, Russia; not to mention the US. It is a dangerous world with forces on the rise which are threatening. I do hope more nations break from Europe for the same reason. For these reasons, I think Scotland and Northern Ireland would be wrong to opt for Europe over the UK.
Thirdly, while there will be acrimony because of this decision, there is no reason that the UK cannot remain a strong trading partner with Europe while negotiating its own relationship with other nations like the US, Asian nations, other Commonwealth countries and more. There is no shortage of economic opportunity for a nation with as much wealth and skill as the UK. The UK might struggle for a year of five, but they can now negotiate their own relationship with the world.
While this looks like xenophobia, nationalism, or almost racism, and there are some among the Brexit vote who are tending toward this impulse, it is not necessarily this for many. One can believe in diversity, celebrate it, desire an egalitarian society rich in cultural difference, and not be racist. One can recognise a common culture that a nation holds dear, want to retain it, still celebrate diversity and welcome people who are different, and not be racist. I am not hearing Brexit proponents now saying that the UK should expel people who are different. I am not saying they want to suppress difference. Indeed, the UK is very diverse. However, surely a country should have sovereignty over its borders and be able to work toward a common culture with values that uphold decency and unity. They can be more secure, and no less prosperous. If I had been there, I would have voted to leave. They are now in a position like NZ, and this is a good position.
First, sovereignty. Decisions like who can come into your country must be in the hands of the citizens of the country involved not in some non-democratic government across the water. The UK has a parliament and they have to have sovereignty to preserve the best interests of that nation. If Europe is for real, and nations like the UK are to be involved, then there needs to a full elected government from the President down and a disempowering of national governments. However, as the UK is only one country among many, they put themselves in the position of being dominated by others who have a different agenda. So, the decision gives the UK sovereignty again. They can now take control of who is coming and going from their country with points systems like Australia and England. They can now work to make the society they have work, with all its diversity. This is what we have in NZ, and it is great. That will not be easy, but they can decide their own destiny.
Second, the challenge to Empire. I am delighted to see the breakdown of the impulse toward Empire that is arising in the world. Europe is a quasi-empire. Sure, it is not one formed through violent force as in many instances in history, but Europe’s union is in effect the formation of another imperial power that could easily morph into something hideous. This is especially so with the rise of right wing movements through Europe. While this can be seen as right wing, the UK’s exit actually disempowers the power of Europe and reduces the danger. It also means that if something hideous occurs in Europe, the UK can stand against it and is not swept up in it. All Empires are dangerous. We live in a world in which they are on the rise – Europe, China, Russia; not to mention the US. It is a dangerous world with forces on the rise which are threatening. I do hope more nations break from Europe for the same reason. For these reasons, I think Scotland and Northern Ireland would be wrong to opt for Europe over the UK.
Thirdly, while there will be acrimony because of this decision, there is no reason that the UK cannot remain a strong trading partner with Europe while negotiating its own relationship with other nations like the US, Asian nations, other Commonwealth countries and more. There is no shortage of economic opportunity for a nation with as much wealth and skill as the UK. The UK might struggle for a year of five, but they can now negotiate their own relationship with the world.
While this looks like xenophobia, nationalism, or almost racism, and there are some among the Brexit vote who are tending toward this impulse, it is not necessarily this for many. One can believe in diversity, celebrate it, desire an egalitarian society rich in cultural difference, and not be racist. One can recognise a common culture that a nation holds dear, want to retain it, still celebrate diversity and welcome people who are different, and not be racist. I am not hearing Brexit proponents now saying that the UK should expel people who are different. I am not saying they want to suppress difference. Indeed, the UK is very diverse. However, surely a country should have sovereignty over its borders and be able to work toward a common culture with values that uphold decency and unity. They can be more secure, and no less prosperous. If I had been there, I would have voted to leave. They are now in a position like NZ, and this is a good position.
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