Why are Brexiters trying to shut down debate? Because they’re scared [View all]

[Denzil_DC]

Last edited Tue Oct 18, 2016, 10:45 PM - Edit history (1)

There is one certainty as we survey our future: Britain must go through a highly complex and unprecedented procedure to detach itself from Brussels after more than four decades of European Union membership. The nation may have voted to leave, but there are many possible ways forward. So there must be torturous talks over several years with 27 states all seeking to protect their own interests, and the outcome felt in homes and firms across the country.

The negotiation results will shape our nation for decades. They could lead to the break-up of the union, disrupt sectors of the economy and alter Britain’s standing in the world. It is little surprise there are strong feelings on both sides of this debate over the best way forward given the hopes and fears. Yet suddenly there seems to be a sense of panic among those that pushed for this break as they close down discussion over the seismic consequences of the electorate’s decision.

This is, of course, depressing – especially when the Brexit camp fought under the banner of democracy and sovereignty. Now they hurl insults at opponents who dare question their wisdom and howl down those who dare offer different perspectives on the way ahead. The ballot offered a binary choice without specifics. But ministers refuse to discuss Britain stance on departure deals, while politicians proposing that parliament should have a say are accused of subverting the will of the people.

I have sympathy for the prime minister, trapped by the electorate’s self-destructive verdict and swirling political realities. Clearly, divisions fuelled by the referendum are worsening, inflaming reluctance among leavers to accept challenge to their one-eyed view of the world after a shock victory. I saw this at the Tory party conference, where as someone opposing the idea of our nation turning inwards, I was constantly accused of being a sore loser. Typical was one leading leave voice who threatened to stop following me on social media since I refused to share his optimism.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/oct/18/brexiters-debate-scared-plan-britains-future

I don't know about anyone's experiences IRL as the only folks I've spoken to at any length about Brexit since the referendum are friends who're of the same mind as me, but some of the rhetoric in the media (MSM and social) - and even our own (unelected) prime minister - isn't exactly recognizing that roughly half of the people who voted (let alone of the whole UK population) didn't want to enter this ridiculous adventure in the first place, and certainly don't want a bunch of rudderless chancers grappling us headlong over the Reichenbach Falls in hot pursuit of a rainbow-farting unicorn. And trying to bully us into submission is more likely to provoke a backlash than acquiescence.

Or am I being too pessimistic?




http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/18/british-tea-jam-and-biscuits-will-be-at-the-heart-of-britains-br/


Nope, I don't believe I am.