Can someone explain why Brexit is bad for the Progressive movement?

[hueymahl]

This is an honest question - I've spent way too much time reading posts from here and other sources, and all I can figure is there are economic arguments for staying, all of which are predicated on short-term disruptions and the risk that an independent GB will not be able to negotiate favorable trade terms.

What is the Progressive argument for staying?

[Johonny]

1. Partly the strong labor laws and regulations of the EU from what I read.

Of course if the UK wants to trade within the EU they might be stuck with the same regulations, but the conservatives might be able to do so with weaker labor standards...which means labor and the middle class likely loses.

[hueymahl]

2. Follow up to my own post - some of GB's Socialist thinkers are in favor of leaving

http://socialistreview.org.uk/404/eu-referendum-should-we-stay-or-should-we-go

There argument is nuanced, but compelling. Essentially, the EU was a capitalist construct aimed at opening up labor markets so capitalism would have a large pool of labor to exploit (and markets to sell into). They are against the EU and staying in the EU because it ultimately harms workers. At least this is how I am interpreting their fairly complex argument.

[closeupready]

3. Also, a larger (transnational) labor pool decimates labor unions.

[forjusticethunders]

5. Then said unions need to think bigger.

The main problem with unions, as much as I support them, is that they essentially tend towards becoming colonized in the sense that they become capitalist entities in their own right, and thus begin to support policies that hurt certain workers while helping them. This also exempts unions from continuing to do organizing work to get workers in that larger pool into the union.

[Shandris]

4. It's not, except for the Open Borders people.

Well, and some financial stuff, but I trust we're not a stack of materialists who are worried about such things if we're Democrats.

But the people who hate the idea of nations existing at all (hence the hatred of borders) have lost bigtime. I find it refreshing, as I'm not a big fan of globalism. I couldn't care less that that will cost me a dollar more for a shirt.

Mind you, I'm in favor of immigrants and immigration as a legal tool and a life-affirming tool. Just not as indentured, rootless slaves to an empowered global elite protected from all angry response.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

6. For the same reason that Trump is a bad idea. Right wing populism isn't progressive.

It's built on xenophobia and nationalism. A bad mix.

[hueymahl]

7. That does appear to be at least a factor

But there also appear to be legitimate progressive, social justice arguments in favor or Brexit. And it really is not a reason. More of "if [bad person] is in favor of it, then it must be bad!"

[Lee-Lee]

8. Right wingers are cheering it as a blow against big government and government in general

[hueymahl]

9. It is true they are cheering

But I don't see it as a being a blow to big government. I think it is more of a nationalistic thing- the polls show that the "leave" contingent overwhelmingly listed having GB in control of their own destiny vs. the EU having more control.

I think they are cheering more because Oboma and Hillary backed staying.

[muriel_volestrangler]

10. Here's the first few on a long list

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=7950813

You can add more environmental reasons here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=7950869