Read on Twitter
1
As a first-generation Erasmus program student who went on to study full-time in two continental universities and to live and work in several of its member states, I cannot properly express how grateful I am to the EU.
As a first-generation Erasmus program student who went on to study full-time in two continental universities and to live and work in several of its member states, I cannot properly express how grateful I am to the EU.
2
I’m from a modest background and mine was an unspectacular secondary education. Despite this, the EU gave me both the opportunity to study abroad at no cost and the priceless gift of mastering two languages.
I’m from a modest background and mine was an unspectacular secondary education. Despite this, the EU gave me both the opportunity to study abroad at no cost and the priceless gift of mastering two languages.
3
I’ve lived extensively in the UK and in many other EU countries and on other continents around the World. None are perfect, but all have wonderful aspects to them, and I consider myself blessed to have been able to travel so extensively.
I’ve lived extensively in the UK and in many other EU countries and on other continents around the World. None are perfect, but all have wonderful aspects to them, and I consider myself blessed to have been able to travel so extensively.
4
What strikes me about Brexiters is their relentless negativity. They dogmatically insist on accentuating the worst aspects of all nations; even their own and are judgmental about absolutely everything and everyone; no-one is immune to their wrath.
What strikes me about Brexiters is their relentless negativity. They dogmatically insist on accentuating the worst aspects of all nations; even their own and are judgmental about absolutely everything and everyone; no-one is immune to their wrath.
5
In the media, on the benches of the Commons, in the House of Lords and the European Parliament, Leavers are characterized by their anger – even now that they have got their blessed Brexit, they seem utterly oblivious to the beauty that surrounds them.
In the media, on the benches of the Commons, in the House of Lords and the European Parliament, Leavers are characterized by their anger – even now that they have got their blessed Brexit, they seem utterly oblivious to the beauty that surrounds them.
6
When they speak of Greece or Italy, it’s as if these beautiful, colourful countries are wicked dens of iniquity where the fainthearted should not tread – no-go zones run by evil Jewish benefactors for the glory of an imaginary neo-liberal God.
When they speak of Greece or Italy, it’s as if these beautiful, colourful countries are wicked dens of iniquity where the fainthearted should not tread – no-go zones run by evil Jewish benefactors for the glory of an imaginary neo-liberal God.
7
It seems plain to me – as it should to any sane person – that people who talk and behave in this way know as little about these countries as they do about the workings of the EU.
It seems plain to me – as it should to any sane person – that people who talk and behave in this way know as little about these countries as they do about the workings of the EU.
8
Greece and Italy are wonderful, warm, fragrant places where the people, the food, the music, dance, culture and countryside reward anyone who has the will and imagination to get to know them.
Greece and Italy are wonderful, warm, fragrant places where the people, the food, the music, dance, culture and countryside reward anyone who has the will and imagination to get to know them.
9
Yet all we hear from Leavers are the dirtiest, grubbiest details they can find. Everything is good game, so long as it discredits the idea that continental Europe is anything other than a dark, evil place where monsters do lie.
Yet all we hear from Leavers are the dirtiest, grubbiest details they can find. Everything is good game, so long as it discredits the idea that continental Europe is anything other than a dark, evil place where monsters do lie.
10
And this is where the attitude of the EU dignitaries, and indeed the Heads of State, has been so refreshing over the last four years. Everyone on the continent has expressed real regret at our departure.
And this is where the attitude of the EU dignitaries, and indeed the Heads of State, has been so refreshing over the last four years. Everyone on the continent has expressed real regret at our departure.
11
It’s clear that they understand they will be losing not just an EU member, but some close friends and relationships that may never fully recover. The outpouring of genuine emotion has been heartwarming for those of us who still possess such an organ.
It’s clear that they understand they will be losing not just an EU member, but some close friends and relationships that may never fully recover. The outpouring of genuine emotion has been heartwarming for those of us who still possess such an organ.
12
So much for the EU ‘punishment’ feared by Leavers. It turns out the only bullies in this particular story are the old-Eton schoolboys with their WW2 rhetoric and their tiresome references to ‘us and them’.
So much for the EU ‘punishment’ feared by Leavers. It turns out the only bullies in this particular story are the old-Eton schoolboys with their WW2 rhetoric and their tiresome references to ‘us and them’.
13
Instead of abandoning the Erasmus program, we should be expanding it. Lasting peace and prosperity hinges on our youth making strong ties with our neighbours. But this is not the Leaver way – blind hatred is a much easier path to take.
Instead of abandoning the Erasmus program, we should be expanding it. Lasting peace and prosperity hinges on our youth making strong ties with our neighbours. But this is not the Leaver way – blind hatred is a much easier path to take.
