But before accusing the public of stupidity for making a decision like this, one should take a closer look at the statistics of the vote. The entirety of Scotland, the majority of Northern Ireland and the London region all voted majority remain. It was solely England (outside of London) and Wales--and more specifically the older generation--that voted leave. This suggests that there were, in fact, a lot of well-informed people that voted.
As a rebuttal, one could counterargue with the fact that the top Google searches the next day were What is the EU? and What does Brexit mean? I am not denying that and this is indeed the problem I want to focus on. A referendum is only good if the public knows what they are voting on.
In my opinion, it is important to let the public make decisions for themselves, but it is essential that they are informed.Thus, I disagree with the statement.
- Esther Doumen
Aaron's Edit:
The Brexit referendum results were followed by a worldwide outrage, most notably in the United Kingdom and Europe. It can objectively be said that Brexit brings forth a lot of problems, rather than advantages for the UK. One might say that a big issue like this should not have been decided by a referendum.
But before accusing the public of stupidity for making a decision like this, one should take a closer look at the statistics of the vote. The entirety of Scotland, the majority of Northern Ireland and the London region all voted majority remain. It was solely England (outside of London) and Wales--and more specifically the older generation--that voted leave. This suggests that there were, in fact, a lot of well-informed people that voted. [I'm not sure about your logic here: overwhelming majorities in particular geographical regions is a sufficient and necessary condition for assuming the electorate was well-formed? Or the fact that the overwhelming majority in those regions voted a particular way (to wit: stay) is proof of well-informedness?]
As a rebuttal, one could counterargue with the fact that the top Google searches the next day were [P - ^,] What is the EU? and What does Brexit mean? I am not denying that [Foc; P - ^ fact,] and (this is indeed) [W;WO - ^indeed that is] the problem I want to focus on. A referendum is only good if the public knows what they are voting on.
[St-run back this sentence; no half-paragraphs in English] In my opinion, it is important to let the public make decisions for themselves, but it is essential that they are informed.Thus, I disagree with the statement.
Correction:
The Brexit referendum results were followed by a worldwide outrage, most notably in the United Kingdom and Europe. It can objectively be said that Brexit brings forth a lot of problems, rather than advantages for the UK. One might say that a big issue like this should not have been decided by a referendum.
But before accusing the public of stupidity for making a decision like this, one should take a closer look at the statistics of the vote. The entirety of Scotland, the majority of Northern Ireland and the London region all voted majority remain. It was solely England (outside of London) and Wales--and more specifically the older generation--that voted leave. This suggests that there were, in fact, a lot of well-informed people that voted.
As a rebuttal, one could counterargue with the fact that the top Google searches the next day were, What is the EU? and What does Brexit mean? I am not denying that fact, and indeed that is the problem I want to focus on. A referendum is only good if the public knows what they are voting on. In my opinion, it is important to let the public make decisions for themselves, but it is essential that they are informed.Thus, I disagree with the statement.
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