BREXIT - WHY IS IMPORTANT

From across the seas, I worry that the Brexit proponents want to win so badly that they are using fear and hate.

As a US citizen, I am used to watching the use of fear and hate in order to win elections. Often, using fear and hate leads to a crazy citizen turning into a violent citizen. Britain has lost an amazing woman working for the common good, shot by someone who believed in hatred.

In the Robin Hood story, Robin is a Saxon, a hero for standing up to the invading Normans. But earlier, the Saxons were the bad guys, burning and looting coastal England. The many cultures of the British Islands is one of the reasons for the success of the British Islands.

If Britain stays in the EU, they keep the pound and their passports, and free emergency health care wherever they travel in the EU.

The Moscow Times is cheering the prospect of a Brexit. Russians are hoping that real estate in London will tank*, so they can invest ill gotten monies while prices are low. More importantly, Russia believes that an EU without Britain is a weaker EU. Russia is committed to exploiting weakness in neighboring countries.

I think California has become a beacon to the world. Everyone dreams of living in California (usually in a beach hut). The truth is many of our beaches have really cold water, and life in California can be really hard. But we welcome everyone, trying our best to treat everyone equal. For many, for years, California was one of the few places where people could find almost unconditional acceptance. I believe this is why California is doing well financially.

I believe Britain is doing well financially for the same reason that California is doing well.

To stay or leave is Britain's choice. Please do not make this choice because of fear and/or hate.

* When an investment "tanks", it is an investment that has rapidly lost value.