David Jerez Antoni (OP Blogger)
IN 2008, I came to live in Britain, a country I saw as a working meritocracy, the perfect blend of Anglo-Saxon open market and European welfare state, an outward-looking nation not ashamed to take the best of every culture.
I soon realised things were not perfect, but it still seemed to me, to quote a French philosopher loved by my Catalan grandfather, “the best of all possible worlds”.
With hard work and some British education, I managed to earn a living in the City. I always thanked the British taxpayer for financing my tuition, as well as my employers and colleagues, who found value in giving me opportunities and helping me. I felt so proud of my new identity that I decided to embrace it by becoming a British citizen.
As a gay man and a migrant, I was proud to see a British prime minister bring my rights in line with those of straight couples, and later enshrine in law his government’s pledge to spend 0.7% of GNI to international aid. Recently, I was proud to see various religions presiding over HM’s 90th birthday celebrations.
But lately the EU referendum campaign has made us face another side of Britain. A Britain that is too scared to welcome a refugee from a different race or religion. A Britain that wants to take its country back by severing ties with friends, and distrusts the advice of its allies. A country that no longer embraces its own pragmatism and diplomacy, and wants “my way or the highway”.
Over my time in Britain I have visited many of those places that the polls say are for Brexit. I have seen people who feel disconnected from their leaders, whether in London or Brussels. I have seen deprivation and lost opportunities, and a sense that the country has forgotten its people – I, like you, do not think that is right.
Now, fellow Briton, I am thankful for you have delivered for me the promise of meritocracy; equally I ask you to look in the mirror to see how this has made us both stronger.
Tomorrow you and I, your European friend, will decide our future, and we can either carry on complaining and distrusting, or we can hold onto this Union and carry on furthering prosperity.
David – thank you for your input. Your sexuality is a matter for you and you alone. I am Scottish, and I am devastated that my country has been forced out of the EU against its will.
More than that, I am disgusted that you, and so many of your compatriots have been sold down the river, just like the Scots. I can only hope that things turn out well for you – remember the old joke – you know a politician is lying when his lips move! Buen suerte, hombre!
David, I take your point of, “my way or the highway”. The British people were given a referendum as to whether they wish to leave or remain in the EU and we now know the outcome. I would also suggest that, “my way or the highway” should have been directed at the EU and not the British public. David Cameron tried to address certain problems, mainly immigration that the EU now finds themselves confronted with but even now with future negotiation they tend not to budge.
Hungary now find themselves in the same position regarding immigration and again have been told, by the EU it’s, “my way or the highway”. Surely. something is missing here, could the EU be wrong in not knowing the true meaning of democracy.
Norman, I’m not quite sure why you feel disgusted. Scotland were allowed a referendum as to whether they wish to remain being part of the UK and were in favor to remain and know doubt will be allowed another referendum after the UK has completed negotiations with the EU. I also believe that once again they will vote to remain. Scotland has created many problems, not only to themselves but to England costing the British tax millions which needs to be addessed and would suggest you direct your disgust at the ruling party in Scotland and not the UK. BTW Norman. Scotland has had one referendum and will be given a second so how many do you require to be satisfied. Just being curious.