I promise I'm not going to go on and on about Brexit, but now that I've re-opened the door, I want to mention a couple more things.
First -- and I put this in the comments yesterday so you may have seen it there -- here's a flow chart that describes all the various outcomes from the place of "Brexit paralysis" we find ourselves in now. There are certainly many options, and as the chart says, none without significant hurdles. It helped me understand the process, at least.
Second, former prime minister Tony Blair had a column in the Evening Standard yesterday arguing that a second referendum is still possible -- that the Labour party should call for another vote, and not an election for a new government that would "mix up the general with the particular." Instead, he says, "Go back to the people and ask them direct: Brexit on the Government’s terms, or Remain."
I would love to see a second referendum, but I'm just not sure it's ever going to happen -- and as I said yesterday, I'm not sure the results would be any different from the original vote. I'm not sure Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour party leader, wants one either, as he's reportedly a Leaver himself -- and he's been completely gormless (a great word) through this entire process. Still, I like the fact that Blair is out there arguing for it even at this late date.
Anyway, back to real life around here.
You'll be glad to know the Foxglove Distribution Campaign is nearly at an end. I have a few more to deliver today, and then I've got to get ours in the ground tomorrow. And then, I think, that will be that. No more seedlings. Whew!
(Photos: Artwork on the outside of New River Studios, a performance space, cafe and art center in Haringey, seen from my recent walk along the bank of the New River.)
My favourite Brexit image of the week was of Johnson leading a big brown bull into a barn up in Aberdeenshire. Usually, one spots bullshit at the rear end of a bull, not in front of it.
ReplyDeleteThat chart does help to visualize the dilemma England finds itself in. I would worry if there is a new vote with a different result if that wouldn't set off a whole new set of problems.
ReplyDeleteThe flow chart pretty much outlines a tsunami of a mess no matter which way it flows. As for another referendum...not sure anyone can put this particular genie back in the bottle. Or if it would solve anything. The turmoil has been already been unleashed there, as it has been here in the US. Neither country appears to have a fully functioning representative government at the moment.
ReplyDeleteMary (above) is certainly right about neither the US or GB has a fully functioning representative government right now.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like "barely" functioning "non-representative" governments is what we have.
I enjoy hearing your views on this. I try not to talk about other countries, but I am curious.
ReplyDeleteThe UK is becoming paralyzed with the whole issue. Whatever happens , it won't be pretty.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate reading this and getting a sense of how enormous this problem is. Yes, two countries without functioning governments. I read somewhere the other day that both of these scenarios (US and UK) were masterfully orchestrated by Putin. Who knows? Not me. Love that artwork there.
ReplyDeleteA second election, asking the people again, makes so much sense to my mind. If the outcome is the same (hopefully without any outside hacks) then the people will have spoken definitively. But since there were so many questions around the last referendum, why not make sure it's what people truly want? I agree a whole new election would "Mix up the general with the particular" (the Brits have such a lovely understated way of putting things), although you could end up with leadership that does want a new referendum, which it appears Boris does not want. Thanks for the links!
ReplyDeletewhat does it take to have another vote? a petition with enough signatures, Parliament just scheduling it?
ReplyDeleteIt's a mess..but with the latest resignations including Amber Rudd it is getting'interesting'....dare one think of rats leaving a sinking ship???
ReplyDelete