Britain has voted to leave the European Union, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two.
The pound fell as much as 10 percent against the dollar to levels last seen in 1985, on fears the decision could hit investment in the world's fifth-largest economy, threaten London's role as a global financial capital and usher in months of political uncertainty.
World stocks headed for one of the biggest slumps on record, and billions of dollars were wiped off the value of European companies. Britain's big banks took a $130 billion battering, with Lloyds and Barclays falling as much as 30 percent.
An emotional Cameron, who led the "Remain" campaign to defeat, losing the gamble he took when he called the referendum three years ago, said he would leave office by October.
So, I've heard a lot of information on all of this and am still not clear on what this means for Britain and how it will affect the EU as a whole. Anyone been able to sift through all the pros and cons enough for a good explanation?
And I believe I heard that Scotland wanted to stay so I do read this could start the separation issue all over again.
So, I've heard a lot of information on all of this and am still not clear on what this means for Britain and how it will affect the EU as a whole. Anyone been able to sift through all the pros and cons enough for a good explanation?
And I believe I heard that Scotland wanted to stay so I do read this could start the separation issue all over again.
Whether or not the United Kingdom leaving the European Union is a "good" idea is really based on who you are and your perspective on international relations. One of the greatest benefit of leaving the EU is that the distinct regions of the United Kingdom will better be able to retain their cultural identities, customs, and ethnic groups. In addition, the United Kingdom will be in a better position to focus on the needs of its people. After all, the larger a government gets, the more difficult it is to effectively and fairly govern. This is also true in regards to the diversity of a population. More diversity in a population leads to more diverse values and customs and by default more potential for conflict.
The greatest cons to leaving the EU will be felt the banks, multinational businesses, and investors. Currently, these entities can simply bribe or make promises to a relatively small group of bureaucrats for special privileges throughout the EU. Now they will have to convince the local leaders in the United Kingdom that these special privileges benefit the local people. It is far harder, to agree to special privileges to the multinational entities whenever you can see the negative affects it will have on the local people... Plus, these local people know where their local leaders work and live. So that alone prevents many local leaders from selling out the local people.
Of course, Germany is the biggest loser in this entire referendum. For nearly a century, Germany has been attempting to rule most of Europe and has done so very effectively via the EU. With Great Britain leaving the EU, it diminishes Germany's control over Europe and may trigger a domino effect where other counties bail out of the EU too! That would significantly reduce Germany's influence over the continent.
And yes, I agree that Scotland may revisit the issue of leaving the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland will probably also take this opportunity to determine if remaining in the United Kingdom is in there best interests as well.
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We will see when the dust settles, I have heard people predict the future on many issues in the world and the worst usually does not manifest it' self nor does the best. This is a wait and see thing.
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There seems to be a lot of dire financial warnings about this and already we have seen the stock market sink. I don't claim to be an expert on the topic, but I kept hearing about Corporations were not going to be making as much money now.
And when you have the President of the U.S. weighing in trying to get people to vote against it, you wonder if there is more to the story then meets the eye. And why should a sitting president of any country try to influence another countries vote?
Preserving ones countries culture is and important and noble cause. I love all of the countries of Europe and enjoy each ones unique culture and history. Creating one block and watering down the diversity to me seems like a step backwards.
I have read many articles on the EU and there is open arguments (not my own) about Germany losing the war but basically gaining control of all of Europe through this Union. There are also complaints of the Northern EU countries shouldering the biggest of financial share of the finances.
One of the reasons for the EU was to prevent WWIII. There were two major wars fought on their soil and some believe the EU would prevent a third.
Perhaps the peoples of Great Britain thought they were going to lose their identify.
And you are very right that Scotland could try for an independence vote again. But if you look at Ireland and see how poor that country is now and how most people immigrate to the U.S. - Scotland might want to rethink that decision.
A tremendous opportunity exists for the U.K. now, unite the countries of the Isle and forge strong political, social and financial agreements - put their past behind them - and that could make them a greater influence on World events and a major player in every corner of the world.
Fracture the Isles more and the culture of their peoples will eventually fade away...
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It is interesting breading articles about "buyer's remorse" and regrets as to how the election turned out. It seems like every day someone is trying to figure out how to get a "do-over."
Here's a concept. If the idea was so bad, why didn't you work harder to defeat it? Boy, wouldn't I like to get a couple of "do overs" on past elections!
You lost. Deal with it! To me, it is a matter of studying issues thoroughly and making an informed vote. Probably over-simplification, but if you cast an ignorant vote, that's on you!
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