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Considering Political and National Divorce

Considering Political and National Divorce

Dear Great Britain,

I understand the last few years of separation from the European Union has not been easy. The EU has not always been kind, and has often smothered your national identity, even telling you that your once sacrosanct High Courts were nothing compared to the laws he sought to impose on you without your full voice being taken into account. How would anyone feel, losing their power, their rights to choose their own full destiny and not being able to vote one’s conscious because in many cases the EU did not bring your voice to the power it held. How can decisions be made on your behalf when in many instances you were not able to have a direct vote, but still maintain these representatives in Brussels? Even in the last few months, your lack of power was not met with equality, but in your inability to have your voice heard. In many ways it was clear that in the end you felt you had to leave. Many have tried to facilitate a peaceful divorce in the end, but while both yourself and the EU will always be connected, there must be some compromise on both sides reflective of a future balanced reality, as in the end you need the EU as much as they need Britain.

The future is not black and white for you or the EU, but in order to enrich yourselves you must accept that not one party is right or wrong. Deal with as many issues as possible without backtracking. Promote new discussions and solutions and avoiding changing the issue with another referendum. Referendums must be used sparingly, but must also have the weight of final decisions, as if it cannot become a definitive response to an important question, then it has no weight or baring. Often not taking a course of action is worse than taking one that might cause some friction in the short term. These types of dilemmas are and have always been part of your character.

The strength that you had possessed
before coming into this union is what you will likely come out with
after a few years of hard work and innovation. Remember the Greeks,
who were the focus of the last conflict with the EU and are slowly
coming into their own. You may not be the Empire you once were, but
whether or not you retain your former glory you will always be a
strong member of Europe and the Commonwealth. Remember who you are in
trying times, and remember that there have been greater challenges
for you than you currently face.

From a cousin who has faced past separation and likely will face future separation, please remember to be kind to each other.

 

Author

Richard Basas

Richard Basas, a Canadian Masters Level Law student educated in Spain, England, and Canada (U of London MA 2003 LL.M., 2007), has worked researching for CSIS and as a Reporter for the Latin America Advisor. He went on to study his MA in Latin American Political Economy in London with the University of London and LSE. Subsequently, Rich followed his career into Law focusing mostly on International Commerce and EU-Americas issues. He has worked for many commercial and legal organisations as well as within the Refugee Protection Community in Toronto, Canada, representing detained non-status indivduals residing in Canada. Rich will go on to study his PhD in International Law.

Areas of Focus:
Law; Economics and Commerce; Americas; Europe; Refugees; Immigration

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