Brexit is the most talked about subject in Britain today. While there is more going on in the country and world, the only concern in Britain has been and continues to be a lack of agreement on the way forward.
What has become increasingly clear is that people are losing their faith and trust in governments. This structure and institution, a foundation for our society and way of life is seen as failing spectacularly. Are they out of touch with the people? Is this the beginning of a move away from mainstream parties towards more extremism and a future of even greater uncertainty?
The precedent set by the antics of Westminster, where a party no longer needs to follow its leader perhaps sets the tone for the country. Headlines scream about looming constititional crisis and betrayals. Do we no longer need to follow or respect our leaders? Can we no longer find unity and shared common goals?
Furthermore, though it might be happening in Britain, it is a reflection of the western world that governments need to think long and hard about the messages they are sending to the public. In corporations, they talk about the tone from the top and the culture created. With countries, we are led by our government. What is their tone and what culture are our governments creating?
Are we all acting with our heads or our hearts? How much do we balance economics and fundamental values? What do we say about democracy, voting and government?
The divisions in our society will have longer term implications. The growing gap between rich and poor continues to be ignored. The fears about technology, the environment, globalisation and uncertainty need to be addressed. There is too much fear running amok. Governments are meant to be the parents that look after us and make us feel safe. That is not how anybody feels any more. Too much is failing. The strength of religion to organise our society succumbed to countries and governments. Is this the dawn for new hierarchies and structures?
The decisions we make about Brexit don't just define Brexit and the EU. They define who and what we are, now and in the future.
Once upon a time, politicians were a respected bunch. It was perhaps an occupation a child might aspire to. The governments of today, both in Britain and the world are now no longer praised. Instead, there is disappointment and a lack of hope. When history looks back upon these days, it is sad that we can not point to greatness. Instead, people are drowning in drugs, alcohol, sex, consumerism, information, social media, box sets, money making and fear. Community is gone. Kindness is forgotten. What does happiness mean for us today? What is our actual quality of life?
We are lucky. When we compare our lives to 50 or 100 or 300 years ago, we have achieved so much. Yet we don't feel lucky or happier.
Though there may be few that are doing the best that they can under difficult circumstances, there are many who appear to be self serving. There are more villains in this story than heroes. And to what end?
I try to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. There are bright sparks. There are intelligent and good people. I have to believe that everything works out for the best. There will be opportunities. The strong will survive but how many casualties will there be? I just wonder whether we may win battles but lose the war.
