In Britain, where an enormously popular vote (briefly) named an important international research vessel “Boaty McBoatface,” the people are voting – yet again, to decide whether to split with the European Union, prompting Seth Meyers to ponder how the potential move both reflects and affects us, despite the casual advice Donald Trump gave the UK. He advised them to just leave. After all, there’s a great pre-nup, right?
The scholarly already know the consequences of the British move, and the effect it may have on the global economy and diplomacy. For the rest of us, this insightful and amusing piece shows that the US isn’t unique. A form of right-wing isolationism, fueled in part by immigration and a shaky economy is poisoning diplomacy world wide. Because this report explains it all so well, please allow me to relive a favorite moment.
In January, Parliament considered banning the Orange Peril, and brought the issue up to a vote. They did not mince words, calling the (now) Republican front runner in part;“A poisonous, corrosive man.” “A dangerous fool” “A buffoon” “This ridiculous individual” “The orange price of American self-publicity” “A wazzock. ”
* Rough translation. “A wazzock is a wizard whose hands are to small to hold a wand”
I’m willing to forget “Boaty McBoatface” and beg the British people to decide the election for us. If they are willing, we’ll sort out the BrExit thing in exchange, or we’ll just pay them, the estimated cost of building a large wall.