Brexit - a decision that will define England

Too soon...

It's always sad to see a strong, democratic country royally screw up an important election. or in this case, a referendum. Even worse when such a decision will haunt generations to come as the moment Britain became so bold as to think it could go-it-alone. But the people of Britain have spoken and they've decided its time to leave. Though it will be these voters children who will end up leaving the UK (or what's left of it) to go to Europe and other countries where the markets will be more prosperous, and trade is free. This is the long lasting legacy Brexit will have.

Many naysayers of the Leave campaign would tell me to stop being so dramatic. Though the sad reality is I, along with many others, are not. Lets take stock.

• The pound is at its lowest it's ever been in 39 years. 
• Global markets have plummeted in response (this discourages future investment in places like the UK) 
• Markets are already withdrawing investments from the UK, as a recession is predicted. 
• It's predicted the UK will lose its AAA credit rating 
• Scotland is looking to claim independence again, or block Brexit entirely 

Though this is all something that can be laughed off right? 

Pound lowest for 39 years, markets crash, UK loses AAA rating for first time since 1978. Why is this man laughing? https://t.co/nNcNsd0sWr

— Barrie Cassidy (@barriecassidy) June 24, 2016

Though this is only this weeks loss. The long term damage is yet to come. The dampened export market as British manufacturers face increased costs sell their goods in the EU market of 500 million consumers. The likely shock of Scotland leaving Britain. The reduced tourism as Britain hides itself behind more borders and checkpoints. The lost ability for Britain's to seamlessly live and work in 27 other countries. And the impending resurgence of far right nationalist parties like UKIP. Then again, when you run away from key promises you made during the campaign, long term support may not hold out. The absence of Boris Johnson from media events is indicative that the Leave campaign had no real plan to lead Britain to exit.

Though the scariest part of it all, is the way in which a true Brexit will be irreversible for the UK (or what remains of it). In five, ten or twenty years later when the overwhelming majority of Britons realise what mistake their predecessors made, they won't be able to easily opt back in. That is, if someone has the guts (or stupidity) to trigger Article 50, and truly cause a Brexit.