United Kingdom has just voted to exit the European Union. In the process, the choice has cost UK Prime Minister, David Cameron his job. He has opted to resign after initiating a plebiscite and consequently losing.
To Cameron, winning the plebiscite seemed to him like a foregone conclusion. The advantages of being an economic bloc outweigh the disadvantages. Economic blocs are formed to stem economic declines precipitated by decreased markets for goods, trade barriers, and human capital flight and create new sources of raw materials. Bi-lateral and multi-lateral trade agreements are the order of 21st Century as countries realize that mutual cooperation and integration are the driving factors towards economic emancipation.
Europe declined economically after losing colonies in the 20th Century. Countries like Japan and China have literally surpassed them in terms of inventions and innovations.
Cameron in his wisdom saw there was greater benefit for Britain to remain in European Union. It was the logical thing to do and he hoped the message would resonate with the voters but he was wrong.
Voters have shown tendency to lean towards leaders who appeal more to their emotions than reason. Fuhrer Adolf Hitler was elected by over 95% of voters. Majority of his countrymen supported his Jewish pogroms.
In America we are witnessing Donald Trump march towards the presidency despite opposition from moderates and liberals. Trump is a divisive figure who was pro-Brexit and has gone ahead and claimed that Britain has claimed back their country after opting out of EU.
Leaders like Trump appeal to the ordinary voter due to the fact that societal change is a slow and painstaking process. America, just like Britain has its fair share of racial supremacists. The minorities are still discriminated and segregated. Majority of Americans share Trump’s view, Clinton doesn’t appeal to their emotions neither does she have the charisma of Obama to make up for liberalism.
Conservatism of America is seen in failure to pass gun control laws despite escalating gun violence across the country. This is a country that makes billions through exporting violence, pornography and arms.
Trump represents status quo and when you compare him with former president George Bush, the feeling is déjà vu. George Bush used September 11 attacks to whip emotions of Americans, earn an undeserved second term and launch Iraqi war. He actually thought Africa was one big country. His indifferent persona was a clear indication that voters don’t always vote with their heads.
Trump’s march to the presidency is unprecedented. He is the America’s Vladimir Putin. The world can be assured of a belligerent, pugnacious and contumacious super power. War will hang around us like pregnant cumulus clouds all in the name of making America great again.
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