Letters - 13 May 2016
From Europe to population
EU referendum
I am glad that Simon Barrow (29 April) has reminded us that most of our decisions are based on feelings rather than on facts. Of course, false feelings come from and lead to choosing dodgy facts, and vice versa. Life is complicated.
My decision on the European Union comes from my feelings, influenced by my reading of history. Geographically, historically, culturally and linguistically Britain has been an integral part of Europe since the first human beings reached here from Africa. Over the centuries Europeans have developed a variety of units, which have taken many forms with many attempts made to unify the continent.
My family name is Saxon; my husband is Norman. I do not know what other Europeans have joined our families over the centuries; Huguenots and Italians I can vouch for. I feel I am part of the European family who have lived together and fought each other over the centuries.
After the second world war it was felt that the time had come when we must find ways of preventing any more war between the nations of Europe. That was the main purpose behind the Common Market, as the start of the process was called.
Today, the EU has worked towards many policies leading towards the Quaker values of justice, peace and the integrity of creation. We have MEPs, though I feel they need greater power and voter interest. However, I feel that the idea of ‘cutting ourselves off’ from our European relations is my prime reason for voting remain.
Audrey Urry
Thank you, Simon Barrow. Yes, there are uncomfortable subjects that we find hard to discuss objectively – for example, calling Israel to account without being called anti-Semitic. Regarding the EU, we might examine an African example of unity bringing peace.
It was the experience of enduring a succession of devastating wars that drove us to seek peace in the unity of the EU. In East Africa, however, it was German and British colonialists who imposed union on more than 100 nations to become Tanganyika. We did it for profit, but after independence the new conglomerate was attractive enough for Zanzibar to seek union and to create Tanzania.
Unlike the Africans, we have the freedom to choose, on 23 June. We have the opportunity to continue to support the EU and to help improve it – or sail off alone, waving the flag.
I feel that it would be irresponsible for us to risk causing Europe to return to competing regimes. It would be a big step backwards. To carry effective influence with the USA, China, India and Russia we need to be an integral part of Europe.
We have much to contribute to this union. Yes, Simon, there are different Quaker views on Brexit: mine is that we should refrain from action that could topple this fledgling, peaceful group – to become buccaneers once more.
George Macpherson
You need to login to read subscriber-only content and/or comment on articles.