Welcome to the first post on my new website
I hope this will promote lots of healthy interaction and shared opinions.
So, subject matter?
It is difficult not to open with the hottest political debate in the UK since the early 70’s (with due reverence to my Scottish and still UK, friends) and how the outcome of the Brexit referendum will affect us in Guernsey. Better people than me have written extensively on the subject and passions run high in both camps.
I am drawn to a quote from that famous European philosopher, Bertrand Russell……” The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.”
Now I am not, for one moment suggesting Mr Johnson and Mr Farage are fools and fanatics any more than Mr Cameron or Mr Salmond. However, let’s think about a couple of the big issues;
Firstly, and it’s too late now of course, but what makes the UK population qualified to decide on such an enormous decision? I know it was a promise to the nation and governments always keep their promises. What do the electorate have to work with on such a monumental decision? Well they are being bombarded via the mainstream media with posh people talking about big numbers – hang on, I read that the European Union accounts haven’t been audited for 20 years???….seems pretty confusing? Although the alternative is to leave the decision to the government, who were, of course democratically elected to serve the people.
Secondly the scare campaign. Out is a vote for economic stagnation, even recession if you believe the G7; fewer jobs, inflation, lower pensions and higher mortgages. Stay in and wait for the flood of migrants “taking our jobs and cheating the benefits system”, not to mention the very big financial contribution the UK makes to the EU.
It is such a fascinating story. Sorry Guernsey I’ve left you out of the assessment, but let’s just see how events unfold…..I must admit, I’m still full of doubts.
