As any headline will shout, Britain has left the European Union. Did anyone notice how small the divide between “Leave” and “Remain” voters was? Did anyone recognize the panic and regret?
It was sort of like a morning spent in hazy regret (why did I get that tattoo of a donut on my butt last night? Why did I smash a jar of pickles in the street?), but with no real antidote.
Of course, it’s not just a simple, “check ‘yes’” to leave the EU. Britain can still navigate this to an extent.
There’s a good lesson here, and not just for Brits. In particular, America needs to pay attention and learn from this very recent history.
Populism isn’t always the best decision. Even if it sounds good or entertains you in theory -- ahem, Donald Trump -- think about the reality of waking up the morning after he’s sworn into office. Better yet, imagine the first morning you wake up with a real reason to regret voting him in.
I understand that he says new and exciting things -- which aren’t really new and exciting, if we really look back into the history of political campaigns -- and that that can be enticing to a disenchanted portion of America.
Please, deal with your disenchantment in a way that helps everyone. “A house divided against itself” is sure to create an even more miserable country, and if this campaign shows anything, it’s that a large divide has been proudly wedged between two dominating factions -- and largely by their own hand.
As a millennial, it’s often assumed that I blindly support Bernie Sanders. While I did adamantly hope that he might be a viable option, I’ve since reevaluated. I understand that while his philosophies are generally good and kind, and many of his ideas hold promise, he can’t possibly be the best representative for a country that fights small but powerful civil battles within itself.
Moderation and balance, and a good dose of acceptance, need to guide us through this time of transition. The hatred, violence and negativity have been released by both sides. Our inability to find a solution in moderation is at once characteristically American (is anyone ever really happy with the current situation?) and possibly our demise.
I take Trump’s jubilant support of Brexit to be a warning to Americans. Think about your vote and the realities that it will bring. Cast wisely, and don’t risk losing the good parts of America while frantically trying to change the bad.
