BarkellWH -> RE: UK votes out of the EU (Jun. 24 2016 17:15:14)
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The UK's departure from the EU is, on balance, a mistake to be sure, in my opinion. I would rather have seen a vote to remain. Nevertheless, If I were British I would not be too quick to assume another nationality and give up my British citizenship. Stranger things have happened, and after everything is sorted out it may not be as bad as some think. World stock markets are experiencing volatility as a result, but my guess is they will calm down and stabilize. While international trade deals, tariffs, and other aspects of Britain's economic relationships with both the EU and the rest of the world will have to be negotiated (renegotiated), it may take time but can be done. While the main complaint on immigration has been directed against members of recent EU members (Poles, Rumanians, Bulgarians, Albanians, etc.), I think there was a large fear-factor that Brussels would impose a quota of illegal migrants from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and various African countries (many of whom are economic migrants, not refugees) on Britain in trying to distribute the load among EU countries. This fear may have been fanned by right-wing xenophobes, but I don't think it was totally irrational among many in the British public. From my point of view, the three most important consequences of the UK vote are: A. It may well lead to the break-up of the UK, with Scotland leaving, followed by the possibility of Wales and Northern Ireland following suit. B. It may accelerate a movement to leave the EU among other countries dissatisfied with Brussels, eventually leading to the dissolution of the EU. C. From a strictly US foreign policy viewpoint, the US loses a voice within the EU, provided by Britain, advocating policies on which both the US and UK jointly agree. In any case this certainly is a historic move that may have far-reaching negative implications. Or maybe not. It will be interesting to see how it all sorts out. Bill
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