Brexit And The Abolition Of Slavery
In my view, voting for Brexit is the same sort of independent decision, equivalent to the passing of the Slevery Abolition Act of 1833.
Both votes were opposed by large sections of the population and commerce.
I know slavery still exists, but who would deny, that what happened in 1833, was right and proper with hindsight of nearly two hundred years?
I think the Brexit vote will change Europe for the better, as we are by no means the only country, where the voters disapprove of Brussels!
Although, I support staying in Europe, I’ve never been in favour of appointed presidents with political power and vast armies of civil servants.
The Anonymous Widower 
The abolition of slavery in British dominions was gradual. First it was ruled illegal in England, then the trade was abolished and finally slavery itself. It carried on in the US until their civil war. Those freed were never reshackled and abolition was a one way moral arrow. Sure slavery was supported by some of the population, principally slave owners, but those enslaved didn’t get a vote on the issue!
IMO Brexit is a momentous disaster for the UK, but it is about free trade, free movement and politics, not whether some people spend their lives in misery and servitude. As with all referenda they occur when the consequences of a political / constitutional decision cannot be [easily] undone. Bad laws on the other hand can be repealed.
Comment by Mark Clayton | July 2, 2016 |
I am not saying they are the same, just they will cause problems of the same order. Like you, I also believe that Brexit a la Farage will be a disaster for the UK and the EU. I think sense on all sides will prevail and we’ll get some other form of Brexit. What I know not!
Comment by AnonW | July 2, 2016 |