The English, perhaps the most enthusiastic European government for a globalist agenda, have abandoned the already fractured European Union. David Cameron rightfully announced his resignation along with a refusal to begin the secession until his successor is chosen. Moving swiftly away from the Union, as some other leaders are calling for, would worsen the situation. England’s economy and politics, along with the world’s, need to adjust to this new reality.
This bitter divorce is an especially difficult blow to President Obama’s tarnished foreign policy. Nothing has gone in his favor. In his attempt to avoid another American invasion, he allowed Syria to crumble as he failed to act upon the red line regarding chemical weapons. What was ignored will later pose greater threats, and the refugees helplessly fleeing Syria strengthened the Leave campaign. Similarly, other than playing golf with Cameron, where was his urgent sense of diplomacy? One cannot simply rely on confidence and faith in London to carry the country. This is just one of President Obama’s numerous shortcomings regarding diplomacy in Europe. Maybe the administration can now see the greater importance of a united Europe rather than a dangerously fruitless peace offensive in the Middle East.
There is little use in arguing over the morality of secession; the British democratically chose to leave, and what is done is done. In an increasingly complicated and hostile world, America now must intervene to promote a healthy and strong Britain and Europe. Cooperation must be exercised for security measures. A divided Europe could dangerously become Putin’s advantage, and with ISIS promoting attacks on a weakened continent, the consequences could be dire.
This secession is a further testament to the growing populist movement. Western governments have been claiming the political divide to be over, trying to push forward and solve the issues of other impoverished countries, global warming and the impossible reconciliation of cultures and human rights. Apparently, this leap forward was not authorized by the citizens. From Marine Le Pen in France to the Five Star Movement in Italy, it appears populist fever is not just present in America. With elections arriving in 2017, Germany and France have expressed unwillingness to lead the globalist integration. Perhaps Europe has tasted the difficulty of compromising with the other; it must now focus on its people’s desires.
Once again, the apathetic millennials have struck. Although Brexit was a secret ballot, a Wall Street Journal poll found 19% of voters, ages 18 to 24, would not vote or did not know if they would or not while 17% said the same thing among ages 25 to 49. Contrast that with the mere 6% of individuals, ages 65 and older, who reported that answer, and it is no surprise the Leave campaign had a sizeable advantage.
The regressive left around the West continually complain of the situation in which they are placed, but they continually refuse to show at the polls. In a democracy, things change because of voter participation. Whether one takes that as a joke or not is a personal subject. Your voice can be heard if you choose. Words can only accomplish so much; action through well reasoned and thought out arguments and voter participation will bring so much more.
