For a long time, now, the British centre-Left has claimed the moral monopoly on all things. It is clearly visible — one need only look at how its perspective on issues like climate change, multiculturalism or gender-based causes are pushed, incessantly, on the airwaves, in classrooms and in print, as gospel truth. Any deviation from it is viciously attacked, with accusations of fascism, bigotry and chauvinism more frequent than suggestions those who question this orthodoxy may be simply mistaken. Proponents claim that their views are “common sense” or based on rationality. The inference, then, is that those who disagree are more than just incorrect: They are morally contemptible and incapable of rationality.
The thing is, though, most of the public does not obey the line on this. Their voting patterns certainly don’t suggest they do. And, if Brexit is anything to go by, they are tired of being told they are backwards and wicked for not sharing the same views as a Guardian editorial.
I think this is ridiculously simplistic and part of the problem. Voting remain or leave is not and should not be about whether you sympathise with left ideals or or not. It should be a clear assessment of the facts!! This increasing political tribalism is why people could not get to the facts about the benefits and cons of EU membership before the referendum. All arguments were filtered through these two supposedly dichotomous world views.
It has become popular (especially in America) to partition all issues into either a left box or right box....believe in Climate change...left. Anti-abortion?....Right. When the reality is that most people crossover on all issues. I consider myself more a centrist as do many. I hate excessive identity politics etc, whilst being smart enough to realise that doesn't mean some people aren't more privileged than others or that society isn't structured to help those who already have the most. It means I realise some of the things said against Trump are bullshit, whilst realising that there are definately things to be concerned about. That the argument for the Environment can be naive and preachy, whilst realising we do have to change things. Moderation.
I understand the disenfranchishment of many in this country leading up to Brexit, I am dirt poor. But that doesn't excuse ignorance or being led by the nose by people with their own agendas. NF actually said on his radio program that if we crash out without a deal 'there will just be a few bumps in the road for a few months' now choosing to believe that makes you deservedly subject to doubts about your intelligence. Yet many phoning in did. Similarly believing the world will stop and everything will be a disaster is a tad overly dramatic.
The case for Brexit: from an objective point of view I've seen little except faith to recommend it. It usually boils down to having belief in ourselves and prophechies about trade deals that will definately emerge. The thing is I do believe in ourselves but we've never effected any policy on such religious terms before have we?
The 1 positive I see is maybe a reduction in cheap labour resulting in better job prospects for UK citizens because lets face it, the average WC person works for benefits these days which is DISGRACEFUL.
People also seem unwilling to hold the press accountable in this mess both for years leading up to the referendum...all the anti EU stories as well as the chronic failure to hold our representatives to account for decisions which have reduced the living standards of many lower MC and WC people.
Now what sickens me is having orchestrated this mess and this political polarisation on both sides of the Atlantic (intentionally or otherwise) a few charismatic, bolshy, yet decidedly shady characters have benefitted and emerged as stars and future chists leading us all to the new Jerusalem of what no one knows but lets have faith in them.
And screw what its doing to the social climate in this country. That's just irresponsible no matter how you look at it unless you really are small minded.