Brexit and Star Trek - What it means to me

[FederationCitizen]

As many of you will know, but some may not, the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU) this week.

As a UK citizen and someone who wanted to stay in the EU, I wanted to share with the Star Trek community around the world what it feels like in Star Trek terms, so I've written a news article explaining, and I'd like your thoughts.

BREAKING NEWS: Earth votes to leave the United Federation of Planets

Following a long and fractious in-out campaign, Nigel Le Pen took his 'Friends of the Earth' party to a surprise narrow victory over the governing centre-right 'Nothing Wrong Here' party.

Basing their victory on the rampant expansion of the Federation, a spokesman for FotE said that the Earth was now stronger, and would be better able to protect the borders between the Terran atmosphere and the infinite realms of the universe. She went on: "Ever since Vulcan was blown up and we had to accept all those bloody pointy-eared refugees, this planet has gone from bad to worse. Now we've taken back control and can set our own destiny. Yes, Federation citizens from the many planets have brought us new ideas, science, technology and culture; they've helped us eradicate inequality, war and money; but really, some of them have very odd-looking noses and I'm not sure this is what my Great Granny signed up for when the Earth was on its knees after nearly annihilating itself in the Third World War. This is a victory for the little man!"

The deflated Remain campaign had fought hard on the benefits of Federation membership, pointing out the benefits of free movement between the various planets, that their standing in Starfleet would be greatly reduced and that a form of currency economy would have to be put back in place to allow trade with the Federation (not to mention having to renegotiate all the trade and other treaties with the various blocs in the Alpha Quadrant).

Unfortunately, the people of Earth were angry at the Terran government for many problems they saw on their planet, and the Leave campaign blamed the Federation for bringing these many problems upon them, saying that all the Remain camp's efforts to urge caution were just 'scaremongering'. The people voted against the establishment in the hope of getting something better, forgetting the benefits their membership gave them. They no longer wanted to help the small planets like Bajor, who simply drew resources away from their 'Eden'.

The Klingon and Romulan Empires are said to be observing the situation with interest.

 

[The Old Mixer]

Seems like this should be in Fan Fiction...energizing.

 

[Timewalker]

As many of you will know, but some may not, the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU) this week.

As a UK citizen and someone who wanted to stay in the EU, I wanted to share with the Star Trek community around the world what it feels like in Star Trek terms, so I've written a news article explaining, and I'd like your thoughts.

BREAKING NEWS: Earth votes to leave the United Federation of Planets

Following a long and fractious in-out campaign, Nigel Le Pen took his 'Friends of the Earth' party to a surprise narrow victory over the governing centre-right 'Nothing Wrong Here' party.

Basing their victory on the rampant expansion of the Federation, a spokesman for FotE said that the Earth was now stronger, and would be better able to protect the borders between the Terran atmosphere and the infinite realms of the universe. She went on: "Ever since Vulcan was blown up and we had to accept all those bloody pointy-eared refugees, this planet has gone from bad to worse. Now we've taken back control and can set our own destiny. Yes, Federation citizens from the many planets have brought us new ideas, science, technology and culture; they've helped us eradicate inequality, war and money; but really, some of them have very odd-looking noses and I'm not sure this is what my Great Granny signed up for when the Earth was on its knees after nearly annihilating itself in the Third World War. This is a victory for the little man!"

The deflated Remain campaign had fought hard on the benefits of Federation membership, pointing out the benefits of free movement between the various planets, that their standing in Starfleet would be greatly reduced and that a form of currency economy would have to be put back in place to allow trade with the Federation (not to mention having to renegotiate all the trade and other treaties with the various blocs in the Alpha Quadrant).

Unfortunately, the people of Earth were angry at the Terran government for many problems they saw on their planet, and the Leave campaign blamed the Federation for bringing these many problems upon them, saying that all the Remain camp's efforts to urge caution were just 'scaremongering'. The people voted against the establishment in the hope of getting something better, forgetting the benefits their membership gave them. They no longer wanted to help the small planets like Bajor, who simply drew resources away from their 'Eden'.

The Klingon and Romulan Empires are said to be observing the situation with interest.

It's too bad this couldn't have been published in RL before the vote. I'm not from the UK, was unsure of why it was happening, but this explains the basics quite nicely.

And maybe putting it in this form would have made enough people stop and say, "Hey, wait a minute... I need to rethink this...".

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

This is my second referendum in recent years that have sought to tear apart a unity, something I am never agreeable too. Last time (the Scottish Independence referendum) I was in the voters on the winning side, wanting to remain great, so this time being on the losing side (Remain) leaves a bitter taste in my mouth--especially with it being so close. Now as our markets and currency plummet, the Prime Minister resigns and leadership in turmoil, we're left with a big question mark hanging over our heads.

I'm left worried about what will happen as the UK seeks to isolate itself.

 

[TwoJakes]

The Brexit reminds me of a union contract negotiation, if the union membership doesn't vote to reject a contract and okay a strike, the union has no power.

Even if the UK does eventually leave in a few years, the other members of the European Union now have more barganing power over the EU leadership. The EU (outside observation) needs to change, become more democractic. The completely opens borders idea might have sounded like a good idea at the time, but it's obviously flawed and needs to be "adjusted."

The new novel series had Andor leaving (and returning), an older novel had Vulcan seriously considering such a move.

If Earth left would it retain all the starships it provided to Starfleet? All of it's colonies? Would the Federation attempt to retaliate against Earth (ie trade) for it's decision (as I fully expect the EU to do against the UK)?

If the Federation was gradually reducing Earth internal sovereignty, a departure might be in Earth's best interests.

 

[Admiral2]

Your premise may be faulty.

Wouldn't Earth leaving the Federation be more equivalent to France or Germany leaving the EU?

 

[Sgt_G]

I'm left worried about what will happen as the UK seeks to isolate itself.

Well, hopefully our next President doesn't hate the UK like our current one does, and will help smooth over the process whatever the future holds. For all the ways he's screwed up our country, I find it far worse how he treated a few of our longest-standing and strongest allies. But, Hey!, this ain't the Politics section, so can we drop this and get back to writing good fan-fiction?????

 

[FederationCitizen]

Seems like this should be in Fan Fiction...energizing.

Thanks, but I had thought this was more of a political discussion, in which I used a Star Trek scenario to explain my concerns. You're the boss!

 

[FederationCitizen]

It's too bad this couldn't have been published in RL before the vote. I'm not from the UK, was unsure of why it was happening, but this explains the basics quite nicely.

And maybe putting it in this form would have made enough people stop and say, "Hey, wait a minute... I need to rethink this...".

Thanks for commenting. In truth, I think most Trek fans take a more holistic federation-style view, and besides, I thought it pretty unlikely we'd actually vote to leave!

 

[Kemaiku]

You're premise may be faulty.

Wouldn't Earth leaving the Federation be more equivalent to France or Germany leaving the EU?

Yes, you'd need one of the founding 6 of the EU to leave for that to even make sense. And it's completely fictional and therefore of no relevance to the thread anyway.

 

[FederationCitizen]

This is my second referendum in recent years that have sought to tear apart a unity, something I am never agreeable too. Last time (the Scottish Independence referendum) I was in the voters on the winning side, wanting to remain great, so this time being on the losing side (Remain) leaves a bitter taste in my mouth--especially with it being so close. Now as our markets and currency plummet, the Prime Minister resigns and leadership in turmoil, we're left with a big question mark hanging over our heads.

I'm left worried about what will happen as the UK seeks to isolate itself.

Yep, I agree enti

This is my second referendum in recent years that have sought to tear apart a unity, something I am never agreeable too. Last time (the Scottish Independence referendum) I was in the voters on the winning side, wanting to remain great, so this time being on the losing side (Remain) leaves a bitter taste in my mouth--especially with it being so close. Now as our markets and currency plummet, the Prime Minister resigns and leadership in turmoil, we're left with a big question mark hanging over our heads.

I'm left worried about what will happen as the UK seeks to isolate itself.

Yes, especially as poor Scotland has been totally done over. You voted to stay in the UK, in part so you could remain in the EU (Spain would likely have blocked membership to prevent the Catalan region trying to break away and join independently). Then Scotland note overwhelmingly to stay in the EU, lose, and are told there's no prospect for another independence vote. If we do leave (part of me is still clinging to the hope of a second vote), I would think Scotland can find a way to independence, even if you have to Braveheart it.

 

[FederationCitizen]

The Brexit reminds me of a union contract negotiation, if the union membership doesn't vote to reject a contract and okay a strike, the union has no power.

Even if the UK does eventually leave in a few years, the other members of the European Union now have more barganing power over the EU leadership. The EU (outside observation) needs to change, become more democractic. The completely opens borders idea might have sounded like a good idea at the time, but it's obviously flawed and needs to be "adjusted."

The new novel series had Andor leaving (and returning), an older novel had Vulcan seriously considering such a move.

If Earth left would it retain all the starships it provided to Starfleet? All of it's colonies? Would the Federation attempt to retaliate against Earth (ie trade) for it's decision (as I fully expect the EU to do against the UK)?

If the Federation was gradually reducing Earth internal sovereignty, a departure might be in Earth's best interests.

But what is the benefit of sovereignty, when the rules you get handed down are basically 'be nice to people' and 'share a bit'? How dare they tell us to share with our neighbours, the swines!

 

[FederationCitizen]

Well, hopefully our next President doesn't hate the UK like our current one does, and will help smooth over the process whatever the future holds. For all the ways he's screwed up our country, I find it far worse how he treated a few of our longest-standing and strongest allies. But, Hey!, this ain't the Politics section, so can we drop this and get back to writing good fan-fiction?????

Without commenting on your president, which I don't feel suitably qualified to do, I agree about the section; I originally posted to 'general' but it was moved.

 

[FederationCitizen]

You're premise may be faulty.

Wouldn't Earth leaving the Federation be more equivalent to France or Germany leaving the EU?

Harsh (but fair!)

I just wanted it to be a bit more real to the readers, who I'm guessing (without wanting to racially profile) are mostly humans from Earth.

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

Yes, especially as poor Scotland has been totally done over. You voted to stay in the UK, in part so you could remain in the EU (Spain would likely have blocked membership to prevent the Catalan region trying to break away and join independently). Then Scotland note overwhelmingly to stay in the EU, lose, and are told there's no prospect for another independence vote. If we do leave (part of me is still clinging to the hope of a second vote), I would think Scotland can find a way to independence, even if you have to Braveheart it.

The Independence vote was flawed from the start as the Yes campaign never had any concrete plans about currency or economy (other than heavy reliance on oil and we all saw how that industry took a downturn recently). Plus they never answered the most crucial of questions: What would happen with Scotland's entries to the Eurovision?

Anyways, it's an interesting little titbit of a story, something that could be quite interesting to develop further.

 

[Admiral2]

Harsh (but fair!)

I just wanted it to be a bit more real to the readers, who I'm guessing (without wanting to racially profile) are mostly humans from Earth.

Fine. In that vein...Yay, Earth!

Finally, after centuries of being preached at and lectured to by holier-than-thou aliens - especially the Vulcans - Humanity can get on with charting its own destiny in space, with or without a Prime Directive, with or without conflict. It's now up to Mankind and only Mankind.

They have to bring back currency? Good! Getting rid of money was stupid. It made the entire population reliant on technology for basic living provided entirely by the central government. Capitalism has uses that benefit whole populations, and capitalism is fueled by money.

We won't have a standing in Starfleet? We'll have money again. Let's build our own fleet and make it bigger and more powerful. Starfleet can go screw.

Friends of the Earth did a fantastic job winning Earth back its freedom and destiny, and I can't wait to see how their leaders will guide the world into tomorrow.

(Now, guess how I would have voted if I were a Briton...)

 

[Rollar]

We won't have a standing in Starfleet?

Britain is a member of NATO entirely separate from it involvement in the EU.

If Starfleet was expanded to a multi-species organization prior to the Federation's creation in order to fight the Romulan War, then it might be a possibility that withdrawing from the Federation wouldn't automatically mean withdrawing from participation in Starfleet.

 

[Admiral2]

Britain is a member of NATO entirely separate from it involvement in the EU.

If Starfleet was expanded to a multi-species organization prior to the Federation's creation in order to fight the Romulan War, then it might be a possibility that withdrawing from the Federation wouldn't automatically mean withdrawing from participation in Starfleet.

Okay, lets take it all the way.

The EU has its own security structure and agreements outside of NATO. Starfleet OTOH, at some point became the Federation's security structure, not truly a seperate entity. Given that, ditching the Fed but staying in the Fleet would be counterproductive. Better a clean and total break.

Again, the entire premise is faulty.

 

[Count Zero]

As this is more of a politics discussion I'm moving this to Misc. Sorry about moving this again.

 

[trekkiedane]

As this is more of a politics discussion I'm moving this to Misc. Sorry about moving this again.

Thanks, I wouldn't have caught it elsewhere.

I'm left worried about what will happen as the UK seeks to isolate itself.