To my mind, the strongest EU referendum Remain argument says our UK political circus is so inept that we may as well stay in the EU.
However, the most sinister aspect of the debate is the general quality of Remain arguments which are little better than a constant stream of silly
exaggerations and tiresome posturing. Especially when we remind ourselves that Remain is the official government position supposedly reached after mature and experienced consideration at the highest level.
None of this is sinister in the usual sense, but it is sinister in what it tells us about voters' intellectual abilities and how the elite see
those abilities. We may be used to political contempt, but too many Remain
arguments are chilling in their calculated indifference to adult narratives and plausibility.
From what I see and in spite of their natural cynicism,
voters still don't grasp how disturbingly deep that contempt must be. Whichever way the
vote goes, the contempt is surely something to ponder. Not that we ever would
of course.
6 comments:
I just read a quote from a 19th century economist which rather fits this subject: "Nothing is more senseless than to base so many expectations on the state, that is, to assume the existence of collective wisdom and foresight after taking for granted the existence of individual imbecility and improvidence."
Not just the posturing, it is a salient fact that many of the leave Tories are only there for the purpose of unseating Cameron, whilst I go with that the referendum, should be about what is right for this country.
We have seen little of that in the "debates" just the usual exaggerated slagging off of the oponents in both camps.
It is very difficult for example to believe that Boris is in the Brexit camp for anything other than well Boris considering up to about six months ago he was pro EU and wanted Turkeys admission, believe what you will, there is also the reverse ferret of Corbyn who has become pro EU not for his beliefs which are recorded but for party unity, sod party unity this vote is far more important than that, but this is what politicians do and it will cost us.
Excuse typo.
You touch on my concern in the first sentence - I want to Remain exactly because our 18th century parliament needs to have its hands firmly tied in order to protect the British people.
Protect from what? The real problems we face are global and economic and will affect everyone - badly. Parliament however is run by an elite who will be completely unaffected by any problems and unfettered will clamp down hard on the resulting social problems. Brexit, good for the elite and bad for most of us. However, many of the people I meet say they will vote OUT, I hope they know what they are voting for.
"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups" George Carlin parallels Henry Kaye's quote.
And yes, those of us who vote OUT do know what we are voting for.
Henry and DCB - yes, we see the group reflected in its individuals.
Wiggia - Boris and Corbyn don't do EU integrity very well do they?
Roger - I take your point, but I don't see the EU elite being affected by global problems either. The UK boat is at least easier to rock if only voters would show a little backbone when it comes to elections.
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