In stores now: Brexit, the new snake oil

COVID19 (Corona Virus) spreading like wildfire, Suppression of the Russian report, de-funding of the NHS, a retreat from the European project. All indicative of new breed of politicians. Peddlers of lies.

Welcome to the Charlatan’s Parade

Brexit, anti-immigrant sentiments, abandonment of refugee children. Our values are under attack. Damaging the very fabric that has held together the union of Great Britain and a European project that has brought peace and prosperity. If we learned anything last century, it is that we cannot idly stand by and let fascism go unchecked. We must remember the lessons from the past and stand up.

The parade

It was a mild day in May. I was ten years old and in awe of what was happening in front of me.

A long file of elderly Canadian, US and British veterans were marching down the street, only a few blocks from my house. These proud men remembered the liberation of my country from the Germans during World War II. We were celebrating their heroism. Most importantly of all, we were celebrating so that we would never forget the sacrifices that they made in those years of turmoil and bloodshed — the selflessness with which so many young men put their life on the line to liberate Europe. Defeat fascism, return whole populations to freedom. I was impressed. I promised myself never to forget.

I have not forgotten

1945 not only became the end of a devastating and destructive war. One of the most considerable rebuilding efforts commenced in that same year, driven by massive investments, shouldered by millions of workers that aspired to lift the European continent out of misery. The same men and women that had faced war, fascism and hunger, embarked on one of the most ambitious rebuilding projects. Their achievements are unparalleled in recent human history. We now live in prosperity because of it.

Fast forward 75 years. Where are we now?

The charlatan parade

We are now witnessing a charlatan parade. A parade, led by a political class insulated and disconnected from those that face the hard reality. A brand of politician untouched by the truth. Never mind displaying a willingness to engage with the here and now.

A new breed of a peddler selling Brexit for snake oil. Quackery.

I am a scientist by trade, and if there is anything important in my job, it is the need to be transparent, honest and reliable. Our profession and the progress we make is contingent on proper conduct. Science is not an exception. I cannot think of another job where lies, deception and sheer incompetence are rewarded to an extent as seen in politics today (though some media outlets rival politics). Despite the recognition that we all have to live by a standard set of rules, the willingness of the electorate to let lies go unchecked, oppression unopposed and misinformation unchallenged, is deeply troubling.

If there is anything I learned on that day back in the 80s, it is that we cannot appease those that seek to divide us. We cannot allow minorities or groupings to become scapegoats. Nor can we forget the values of those that sacrificed their lives and helped rebuild Europe to what it is today.

We must stop the charlatan’s parade.

About the Writer

EdgarHuitema is a scientist who loves to write. Writing personal, political as well as satirical pieces to deal with mental health as well as societal issues. For more Edgy-Edgar work visit this page.