Brexit | But I Smile Anyway...

Britain seems to be losing its Great…

I didn’t ever think I would be at the receiving end… (don’t know why) but today I experienced my first Brexit fuelled racist verbal abuse. .. surrounded by 3-4 year olds who were subjected to an f-word fuelled tirade…by a large -bottle of -cider-swigging gentleman in Margate.

Lovely.

A child had chucked a stone up and narrowly missed him. I understand his frustration and had this child’s mother seen him, it wouldn’t have happened.

But you know, kids will be kids.

He started by shouting that “You lot should keep an eye on your kids. He nearly hit me with a rock! ” then, seeing me and another Indian mother, said “And why don’t you go back where you came from!”

The other surrounding parents, my class’s lovely parents, were predominantly English by chance.

That’s it!

They were on the case straight away!

“What you talking about. We’re All English here!”

That started him off f-ing and blinding, with no care whose innocent ears he was offending.

A Bay Attendant was there and he saw the whole thing, went up to this lovely gentleman then came down to us apologising.

He was aware of the stone throwing but was appalled at the man’s language.

Obviously it was not a good place to sit and drink cider… he moved on.

All I shall say is “Britain, where’s the Great?”

Should We Stay Or Should We Go?

All you Britons out there… Are you as confused as me?

I’m talking about that hot topic, the EU referendum. Should we leave or should we stay part of the EU?

Whenever the conversation arises, I really don’t know what to say…

It’s not because I don’t have anything to say… Come one, it’s Ritu here, I usually can’t shut up!

It’s more the fact that my opinions are so confused.

I’m fully aware that if we stay, and the borders to the UK remain open, the number of immigrants will continue to rise, and put more financial pressure on our governments.

But then, realistically. How many of those immigrants are draining our economy?

Working as I do as a teacher, I meet many immigrant families, and there are a handful who don’t work, are housed, and have everything paid for by the government. Many are good, hardworking young families who want the best for their children.

I can’t forget that my parents came here as immigrants, as did all of my family, and we have all given back to the economy, possibly more than we’ve taken from it.

But then the flip side. The percentages showing crime rates,and the breakdown of nationalities currently in prison… And the numbers of people from countries who have recently got access to us… That tells a different story.

But them, immigration is not the only issue…

We are giving millions to the EU every week, and for the majority of us, we don’t really see where this money is going. It translates to money being poured down the drain, when we have national services, such as Healthcare, Education, the Police, the Military, facing huge, and often dangerous cuts.

Yet, if we leave, what will happen to the economy? Many say we will, as individuals , really suffer. Our pockets will immediately feel lighter, no one will want to trade with us. Shopping will become uber expensive, jobs will be on the line for those whose companies have strong links with other EU countries.

But if we stay, we will stay strong, and you don’t need to worry about the financial security you have now.

Hmmm…

I know there are many more issues that are being debated, but Immigration and the Economy are the biggies.

Why can’t we be given a chance to vote for a remain, but only if the EU are prepared to renegotiate certain blanket policies?

I don’t think closing the border will solve everything. We have enough of our own who do negative things, and sponge off the government, but if we could have more of a points system, like Canada and Australia, it would show willingness to take in new people, but also that we are not a soft touch country, and we want those to come here, who are willing to invest in the country with skills, not just get free education, health care and benefits.

Yes I think the economy benefits for being with the EU, but maybe there needs to be leeway for us to have a say on certain policies and trading agreements…

If we stay, will they try and take the Royal Family away? (I do love the Queen!)

If we go, will travel to Europe become really hard, and more costly?

Only a few thoughts… I’m well confused!

So,the $100 million question…

Do we stay or do we go?

I haven’t a clue! Do you?

What are your thoughts?