And so, we’ve left.
I didn’t consider Brexit Day on Friday 31 January 2020 as a day to celebrate anything. I didn’t watch the TV. I didn’t contribute any comments, likes, retweets. In fact, nothing at all to say on any social network.
I was mostly absent.
The only thing I did on Friday was update my profile pic on Facebook.
This morning, I caught up a bit on what’s being said and who’s saying it across the broad spectrum of the online landscape.
I saw nothing to inspire me. Yes, there are a great many people – the informed and the uninformed – with narratives and worthiness talking up the great future we’ll have, or the impending disaster that’s about to engulf us.
But all I feel is a profound sense of sadness.
Sadness over our departure from the European Union: it really has happened. Sadness about the ugliness I’ve seen expressed by some people in this country against anyone who has a different point of view or just looks different. Sadness that the future still looks uncertain. And alarm at the general fear, uncertainty and doubt that seems to be growing in democracies everywhere.
Above all, sadness that nearly half a century of idealism, optimism and just being part of something bigger than each of us or any one country for the advantage of everyone has fractured.
The only comfort I take today is this: No matter what the politicians say or do, I am always European.
(Girl and balloon image at top via https://www.pinterest.ie/pin/412572015850047254/ )
3 responses to “I am always European”
Its a great opportunity – out of all adversity comes opportunities, to expand, new horizons and the capability to achieve greatness. Its shouldn’t be an opportunity lost, but rather gained and this time we cannot blame anyone but ourselves. We are in charge, we control what happens – that’s a great narrative to be part of rather than to sinking into abject failure that many of the EU economies will fall into – time will tell if we seize the day, or fall at the first hurdle, either way we now control our own futures and those of OUR elected overlords (and a BIG plus out of this one less gravy train for the politicos).
Thanks for your optimism, Phil. You speak about a big picture where we control outcomes, etc, all great stuff! I love opportunities and could share much of that optimism. Yet I find it hard to locate credible, informed, insights into specific and tangible benefits we could expect not being within the EU. What I can ready discover is information on the consequences of leaving the EU, Wikipedia has a good reference here – https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Economic_effects_of_Brexit
I’m especially cynical when I read things like this (from the Wikipedia entry): “In January 2018, the UK government’s own Brexit analysis was leaked; it showed that UK economic growth would be stunted by 2–8% for at least 15 years following Brexit, depending on the leave scenario.” Two years ago but has anything changed since then to produce a different forecast? Can’t find a reference anywhere.
I’d really like to hear government leaders and others talk about some specifics never mind “taking back control” and all the trade deals we can do. I’ve been hearing that for 3 years and see no evidence of anything concrete yet. I guess something will be in place by the end of 2020 that validates the optimism?
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