Quote Originally Posted by miller1952 View Post
I don't think I intimated the the USSR was a democracy, rather than it was an example of "experts" dictating policy. The fact that they could not grow enough food to feed themselves would, I should have thought, made my point. The fact that the British people voted to exit the EU is likely related to their desire for self-determination, rather than being dictated to by unelected bureaucrats in Brussels. Britain has, in somewhat recent history been subjected to less than cordial treatment certain European powers, the summer of 1940 comes to mind. It is therefore understandable that some British people might desire a level of autonomy not tolerated by the EU. Certainly the ability to control one's borders is a prima facia right of any nation. The whole of Europe will be dealing with the consequences of their open border policies for the remainder of this century. If you doubt that, just wait and see. If that situation does not lead to significant civil unrest and violence, they may count themselves lucky indeed.
The EU might have been a workable idea if it was a trading zone involving independent countries. Instead it looks to me like a new mega country was created, all be it slowly, with member countries reduced in key areas where they formerly had autonomous jurisdiction such as immigration policy to the level of a state or province on this side of the pond. That extra layer of government above the nation governments is bound to create trouble and has in the case of Brexit.

Bob