I Have Been to Europe

There has been so much talk of Brexit. But I have not only been to Europe. I live in Europe. I wake up each day in Europe. I am European.
In the 1970s the people who live in my islands voted to be in the EU. That was the first referendum. Those who now want to leave say we must respect the 2016 referendum and not have another one. Most of them must have voted to stay in whenever it was back then. Why can we not respect the wishes of the people in 197? Sorry the exact year escapes me.
And the vote in 2016 was so close. And obvious that younger people want to stay. Older people want to leave. Not everyone of course. But we are three years on. I was too young to vote last time. I am now. Does my voice not count?

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TidyTimecheck · 46-50, M

I feel it was a decision that should never, ever have been put to a referendum.
The average person knows nothing about the agreements and treaties we were part of, or what impact ripping them up will have on us.
And people like Rees-Mogg who now tell us we may be worse off for 20 or 30 years never said anything like that during the campaign.
In case you're in any doubt, this older person voted remain.

LiliMountainGirl · 22-25, F

I know a lot of older people see sense. And I have respect for their views. Because they understand more. But I feel somehow that leaving the EU has a lot to do with a lot about not liking people from other countries coming to live here. But why do people come to live here? Because it’s such a lovely place to live. I love the islands we live in. Why can we not share them? @TidyTimecheck

TidyTimecheck · 46-50, M

@LiliMountainGirl Yes, if they're honest, a lot of older people want to go back to the 1950s. Nostalgia can be very attractive and very dangerous.
There's also been a fundamental dishonesty in the leave campaign claiming EU membership meant we had to accept anyone and everyone who wants to live here. There were EU restrictions we *chose* not to enforce.

LiliMountainGirl · 22-25, F

Ok. I know nothing about that. But I love the Polish children in my class. They are so hard working, I cannot see how we are going to be worse off because they are here. @TidyTimecheck