Singer3000
Member
I agree with your basic sentiment. There has long been a basic disconnect between the voting public of the UK and that of mainland Europe. The EU was sold for decades in the UK as an economic union. In most other member states it has been more honestly described as a political union first. There are obvious historic and cultural reasons on both sides why this has been the case that do not need to be dwelt upon here. It is interesting that this disparity in perception was still not corrected even in the white heat of the UK's referendum campaign (which in large part is why the vote was relatively close).Thanks to the European Union its members have gone though the longest uninterrupted period in history without a war. So yes, in that sense we have been living in paradise.
Ever since Margret "I want my money back" Thatcher you Brits always wanted special treatment within the EU so you have gotten enough slack. The EU has always bend over backwards and forwards to accommodate you and still it is not good enough. I was saddened to see you go but now I am glad. Europe can now go full steam ahead. I wish you all the best but I think you will be in for some hard times.
I've got no major problem with a Federal EU if executed in the correct way. In fact I think it's the only way to fully solve the structural flaws of the Eurozone. But I think you'd find that this would be a very fringe goal for UK voters. Staying friends and economic partners seems a better outcome for all, than the UK acting as an unwanted brake on European integration.