Fighting the horror
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| Rosa 'Albertine' |
What has happened to my country? Why have fear, racism, isolationism won? Some golden vision of a Britain that never existed was sold, and is even now being reneged on. "We didn't exactly say that there wouldn't be any immigration..." I can't sleep and if I take stock of what I've eaten in the past 3 days it's been crisps, toast, beer and tea. I am European. I thought my children were going to grow up Europeans. Worst of all, there will likely be a second Scottish independence referendum. All I can do is cultivate my garden - including this rose with a fittingly French name - love my family, and be kind to other people. Wherever they originate.
Over here in the Pacific Northwest we are trying hard to understand what happened on Thursday. It seems that many people voted without thinking clearly. A referendum is never a solution - this one shows that!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, solutions are absent. I wish we could get over this fashion for referendums.
DeleteI know so few people abroad but with all the news I thought of you and Penny and how you were feeling about this.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda, it's comforting to hear from you.
DeleteI am shocked at what has happened, and I fear that it's the end of the U.K. as we know it. There will be a second Scottish independence referendum, and this one will win. Something similar could happen in Northern Ireland. England has some tough times coming, and its time as a first-rate world power is ending. I'm disappointed at what has happened to the country of my birth, and saddened at the loss this will mean for the young people.
ReplyDeletePrecisely my fear, Al. Yes, a great loss for young people.
DeleteWe are reeling here, too, on the other side of the world in New Mexico (U.S.). Anger and hatred could also win here and we are afraid.
ReplyDeleteOf course, you're at the sharp end in your country. Sending hugs and fellow-feeling.
DeleteAs I live in NY, I am not qualified to comment on the Brexit. However... crisps, toast, beer, and tea? That's totally my favorite food group! (Just add popcorn.)
ReplyDeleteWhen in crisis, the body instinctively turns to what it good for it! My husband did cook me an omelet and insist I eat it...
DeleteWas it in Candide (forgot the author) where people would cultivate their garden?
ReplyDeleteYes, the referendum was a total shocker, I am still angry. There has been nothing but bad news since Friday. I am in Switzerland at the moment and I notice quite a few FB posts from Swiss friends that Britain was a negative force in the EU anyway so good riddance. Funny that, Switzerland is not in the EU but has of course negotiated free movement of people and has extensive trade agreements with the EU -at a cost. Ah well, back to burying my head in the sand for a few more weeks. x
Indeed it was, Christina. I feel a binge watch of Gardener's World coming on as a salve. I hope you have a lovely time in Switzerland.
DeleteFrom this side of the ocean, the way that went was beyond bone headed.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shot.
That's a polite way of putting it, William.
DeleteIt is a beautiful rose. I know that what is going on is very difficult. We over here are falling apart at all sides. We survived 8 years of dictatorship and now we have no good choices going into the fall election. I hope for you and your country that the dust will settle and adjustments will happen. All of Europe survived WW 2 and it will better in the future no matter what is finally worked out.
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking of what my grandparents went through over two world wars, and that puts things in perspective. It would be wonderful if politics was about solutions rather than division.
ReplyDeleteIt is just awful Linda, I feel ill about it too X
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more. And yes: il faut cultiver son jardin. Take care, Linda.
ReplyDeleteIt's now the end of August and I still can't believe it . Like you , I want an open Europe for all these young people ... dialogue , compromise , tolerance and growth .
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping they achieve it despite Brexit .