Brexit Bungle

[hollodero]

(12-10-2018, 07:04 PM)Sociopathicsteelerfan Wrote: The EU is a failed experiment, better to get out now.

That's quite the definitive evaluation.... I disagree with that. It isn't failed, just seriously flawed. But it's not without merits. For starters, we stopped leading devastating wars against each other. Also, there's a certain belief that the problems of the future demand a united response. See climate change, migration, tax policies, defense.

(12-10-2018, 07:04 PM)Sociopathicsteelerfan Wrote: You certainly know better than I, but I believe there is considerable anti-EU sentiment in Austria as well.

Of course. The EU is a viable scapegoat. And is indeed less than perfect, there's plenty of legit reason for said sentiment.
It's just, going back to closed borders and believing this will end all struggle and sorrow is really naive. And in many cases, there's not much more to it. That and hating bureaucracy and politicians.

(12-10-2018, 07:04 PM)Sociopathicsteelerfan Wrote: As a free trade zone, it was a good idea.  As a United States of Europe it's simply Germany running the show and intimidating the smaller nations.

That's interesting. I really don't know where this perception stems from. But it seems common. And sure, Germany is a powerful voice and a big spender, their word carries weight. But I don't feel my country is bullied or "intimitated" by them.
(They did intimidate Greece at times maybe, but hey they were spending billions of not their own money.)

(12-10-2018, 07:04 PM)Sociopathicsteelerfan Wrote: As for Brexit, it was promised that the results of the referendum would be honored, therefore they need to be.  It's interesting that some of the loudest voices for "democracy" are the same people asking for a second vote.  How is that democracy?

Well, how is it not. People are free to say no a second time. And things changed a bit, now there's a deal on the table. I wouldn't consider asking a second time undemocratic, when it's literally about asking the people... asking if they are still fine with Brexit, now that they know what it means.

(12-10-2018, 07:04 PM)Sociopathicsteelerfan Wrote: Quite honestly, a no deal Brexit is the way to go.  The United Stats can ease a lot of the economic pressure.  The only real sticking point would be the ease of travel, which would be petty as hell for the EU to make difficult on the UK.

? Right now, they make it difficult on the EU, not the other way round.
And as for working with the US. I don't think that's a particularly compelling alternative right now.