The morning after

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Convo with my dad: “Britain can’t leave the European Union. Look at the cover – the first two words on my passport! What does this all mean?”

Me: “It’ll take about two years before the UK formally leaves the EU. You can use your current passport in the meantime and eventually, we’ll get new ones.”

Dad: “Bugger.”

Indeed but what does it all mean?

A great summary by Alastair Macdonald responds to the top five questions about leaving the EU:

1. Time frame: Approximately two (2) years before the economic and trade divorce is finalized;

2. Economic Council: Remaining members of the EU hustle to find a way to deal with the loss of 1/5 of the EU economy as well as the global and military clout;

3. Article 50: The break-up clause of the Lisbon Treaty. Invoke it or just say “I break with thee three times and throw dog poop on their shoes” ala Steve Martin;

4. EU: Now that the UK has said “adieu” to the EU, the goal is to find new members and fill that 7-billion euro hole in the budget;

5. Right here; right now: For now, nothing changes. Britons remain EU citizens and business continues with the caveat that we’re in unchartered territory including the potential for Scotland to make another attempt for independence and join the EU on their own.

In some ways, this reminds me of the Trump dynamics in the States. Many parts of the UK, especially post WW2, have not experienced or shared in the economic prosperity afforded London as the financial hub of Britain.

Loss of jobs, anger at immigrants, and fear of terrorism are tremendous motivators re: nationalism. “Make [insert country here] Again!”

Plenty of lessons to be learned ahead of the U.S. Presidential general election on November 8, 2016.

The Clash and Brexit

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American politics continue to bubble and boil in the summer heat while counting down to the general election in November. Across the Atlantic and just weeks away, Britain will vote whether or not to stay in the 28-nation European Union, also referred to as the “Brexit” referendum a/k/a British exit on June 23, 2016.

Issues on the table include the economy, jobs, trade, immigration, national security, and its status within Europe. For the Brits, this vote is a game-changer for the nation and the world as greater Europe fails to find a solution regarding the refugee crisis, increased terrorism across the Continent, and a protracted economic recovery.

In a quirky twist of fate, I have the opportunity to vote in this election and like most life events, it comes with a soundtrack and in this case, The Clash’s ode to indecision, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” does the trick.

For my American friends, a quick tutorial to explain the complicated pros and cons of this relationship or to quote Joe Strummer, “If I go, there will be trouble and if I stay, it will be double.”

Photo by AFP | September 2014 | UK