I just watched ‘Europe – The Big Vote’ on BBC One presented by Andrew Marr and while this provided an interesting resume of how we had got to this point and speculation about what might happen next week one thing I find consistently to be overlooked.
Our MP’s are reviled for having got us into this mess but this is an oversimplification extended to the absurd. Not only that I suspect it fails to take account of the real human experience.
We may be mad with our MP’s collectively speaking but they are doing their best trying to get it right: right by their own conscience, right by their constituents, right by their party allegiances. Theirs is not an enviable position to be in. I don’t think there is any shortfall here of hard work or honest intent. It is rather that they can’t find the right answer.
Some are convinced of course and have little or no doubt which way we should go. But they tend to be those at the opposite extremes. Those closer to the middle are still unsure if inclined in one direction. And this is the problem: there is nothing as yet that can provide them with the answer they need: a point of reference whereby all can gain more mobility and flexibility in their thinking and approach. The way to provide this has still got to be found. Otherwise, many will still be looking for the end without the means to get there.
There is to be yet another vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal. Really could there be a greater symbol of the redundancy of thought. The reason for voting will again be largely tactical for those not already in favour. Nothing substantial has changed – just the movements of the pieces on the board.
We allow the stalemate to perpetuate and deepen. Surely we only have to look at the situation and say ‘what is it telling us’ beyond notions of bad faith. Then we can alight upon the correct response.
The Emporer's New Clothes 