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Like Mao who said (so the story goes) that it was too early to judge the effects of the French Revolution, perhaps better wait a bit before reaching a conclusio
by vixen99 4y ago
Like Mao who said (so the story goes) that it was too early to judge the effects of the French Revolution, perhaps better wait a bit before reaching a conclusion. As a terribly gross generalization perhaps it comes down to pond size. Small stroppy fish in a big pond don't get very far but in a smaller pond they feel they at least have some influence and tangible contact with government. Difficult to claim that for ordinary Europeans. Worth remembering also that the establishment (the UK Civil Service) has been firmly against Brexit from the word go and have dragged their feet significantly. This isn't just a moan from the pro-Brexit crowd; it's pretty much accepted on both sides that this is what has happened.
- jka 4y agoWell, personal opinion: I don't think it's clear that the UK Civil Service has been more of a blocker to Brexit than they would've been for any other earth-shattering policy change. Part of the social contract of joining that sector is, I expect, that staff will be working across successive governments and policy changes, and yes, people are going to have some personal connections to day-to-day events, but the professionalism and processes of the institutions involved are intended to minimize and overcome those biases (and apply correction when they aren't, with supporting evidence and investigation). That said, identification of weaknesses and opportunities for structural improvements are welcome. "Wait a hundred years" is always an option, although if there are shorter-term risks then I'll always be listening for those.