In the wake of the fallout over the surprise Referendum decision, the nay-sayers seem to be losing no time in mustering the troops to discredit the outcome, and looking for someone, anyone, to blame. I suspect the bitter taste of sour grapes tainting their pursed lips will take some time to sweeten, if ever.
Being childless and of pensionable age, it is apparently all my fault for having gone about my business, working hard, paying my taxes and selfishly giving scant thought to the next generation. I dispute this. Certainly the first time voters in my Somerset village all seemed to vote for Brexit. Interestingly, they are amongst those unlikely to go on to higher education, leaving me to suspect that it may well be the educated chattering classes who have had their noses so severely put out of joint. I wonder how many also had a personal or financial interest in the outcome.
It is the arrogant, righteous attitude of many who wished us to remain tied to Europe, that seems to have caused so many of those who would never normally darken the doors of a polling station, to vote in numbers sufficient to affect the outcome. I am thrilled that they turned out, for a change, but I strongly suspect it was for all the wrong reasons. However, turn out they did, and got the result they desired.
Although we are, apparently, living in a democracy those who did not see the vote go their way have jumped onto the derogatory band wagon, even going so far as to demand another Referendum, which is quite blatantly nonsense. We all have to tolerate decisions we are less than enthusiastic about. Rather than harp on about the irrational, ignorant behaviour of the public at large, we must get on with living our lives to the best of our ability under new circumstances.
I am fortunate enough to own a property in France, and travel to Europe often. I am sure advantages I have so far enjoyed will change, and not necessarily to my benefit. We live in a constantly changing world, and very often the decisions we make can have unintended consequences.
I have learnt over the years not to waste my time and energy dwelling on the negative aspects of life. I find that my effort is much better spent on looking at ways to get on with the job and make the best of things. No one likes to be in the company of those who constantly whinge about the injustices suffered under a democratic system.
There is no doubt that our political leaders, of all parties, have got us into something of a serious pickle, but we have survived worse.
Samaritans take calls on a daily basis from those who are suffering emotional turmoil. In many cases the real problem is an inability or unwillingness to let go of the past, to accept the situation they are in, and focus on the best way to move forward. This is what needs to happen now. The losers need to move beyond recrimination, and get on with the job of supporting our country.
One bright spot occurred within hours of the result being announced. In a conversation overheard in a local hardware store, the customer wanted a lightbulb. On expressing dismay at the paucity of choice available, the sales person responded with, ‘Now we are out of Europe you might be able to buy a real lightbulb soon.’
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