political thinking | El-Branden Brazil

Why I Voted To Remain In Europe

Britain is no longer an empire, although it likes to pretend it still is. Independently, we are nothing more than a rock in the Atlantic. The world has decided to grow much, much bigger around us. We need to be part of an effective balance to counteract, in political and economic terms, against a rising China, a blustering Russia and a potential Trump USA. Britain is stronger united with our European neighbours.

From tribes to fiefdoms to countries to a conglomeration of countries, the EU is an evolutionary stage that attempts to unify people, rather than divide. For 70 years, the blood-drenched continent has had relative peace.

I know that the EU is far from perfect, but it is a work in progress, that requires vision and intelligent stewardship to survive. Britain is positioned to positively contribute from within and try to shape the EU so that it can be more effective, powerful, inspiring, peaceful and remain an essential part of the world. To leave would be like cutting away our anchor and setting ourselves adrift, with neither a sexton nor sails to influence the direction of our future. I have no interest to set foot onboard the maniacal Captain Boris’s sea vessel, with his ragbag crew of eccentrics, like Farage and Gove.

Choose the correct option to REMAIN!

The Problem With Nationalism

Nationalism is a choice to live in a fantasy land, where colours on a piece of fabric are considered worthy of loyalty. That the myth is even worth dying for.

Such dedication to tribalism is paramount to all that is wrong in the world. Once we move beyond concepts of separation, the sooner we will be unified to take action to save the world that supports us to thrive.

I have no problem with national identity. Indeed, the world is a far more an interesting place for the myriad of cultural flavours that abound across the globe. However, in this festival of cultures, we must be careful not to forget what unifies us as a species, in our celebration of difference. We simply should not get carried away by the mythology of anthems, flags and other constructs of fantasy, to the point where we start to forget what we have in common with those who do not share our anthems, flags and other constructs of fantasy.

To clarify, I am also not naive enough to ignore the cries of those under siege from nationalistic fervour, for which there are many around the world, whose traditions seem desperately under threat. I understand that when nationalism rubs against nationalism, just like when religion rubs against religion, friction occurs.

I am an unashamed idealist that believes we can move beyond base celebrations of tribe. My blood is no different than yours.

– El-Branden Brazil