May I just add that I am enjoying this thread. Yes, some people get a bit over-excited and sometimes opinions seem to be inflammatory. But overall, I like to be challenged - I like to read what other people are thinking. I like to re-assess my own feelings, and if I have to rely on leaflets (don't get me started on that one!) or politicians' opinions (and please don't get me started on that one, either) then I have no real feeling for what other people are thinking. I know what I hear in the market (and it is rarely edifying to politicians, I can tell you) but that is not a cross-section of opinion.
So please, folks - lets continue to get heated, to discuss and argue about the most important vote in most people's lives. We need to have our own ideas tested by other opinions. Talking among like-minded individuals is like listening to your own voice echoing in the Whispering Gallery.
For the record: I did vote in the last referendum. I remember it very, very well. I was out "on the stump" in the local market, encouraging the public to vote "yes". I was harangued by many (Trades Unions and prominent local Labour Party activists were, I regret to say, the worst - though, to their credit, I didn't get any rotten fruit from the market stalls thrown in my direction LOL). But I had a conviction, and was prepared to stand up and be counted.
The certainty of youth has left me. I am open-minded. I like to consider all opinions, and I think this forum is as good as it gets.
Verdun - awww shuks!!! But I do hope that the discussions here continue. Nothing personal - I don't agree with the tone of some posts. That's life! I am not about to throw a hissy fit if someone disagrees with me - in fact, I welcome the challenge. The day we are closed in mind to alternatives is the day the six-foot space in the ground with daisies on top awaits us.
This thread has been quite an eye opener for me, and I suspect for others too, in all kinds of ways; but, we still don't truly know thre real consequences of staying or leaving, except for one thing that seems certain: 79,460,069 Turks will be added to EU's population of about 500 million. Food for serious thought, perhaps.
As far as I'm aware, it's far from clear if Turkey will be allowed entry, but if they do, I'm sure , like the overwhelming majority of the 500 million EU citizens, they'll not all be coming here, despite what the Daily Hate Mail might like us to believe.
Posts
May I just add that I am enjoying this thread. Yes, some people get a bit over-excited and sometimes opinions seem to be inflammatory. But overall, I like to be challenged - I like to read what other people are thinking. I like to re-assess my own feelings, and if I have to rely on leaflets (don't get me started on that one!) or politicians' opinions (and please don't get me started on that one, either) then I have no real feeling for what other people are thinking. I know what I hear in the market (and it is rarely edifying to politicians, I can tell you) but that is not a cross-section of opinion.
So please, folks - lets continue to get heated, to discuss and argue about the most important vote in most people's lives. We need to have our own ideas tested by other opinions. Talking among like-minded individuals is like listening to your own voice echoing in the Whispering Gallery.
For the record: I did vote in the last referendum. I remember it very, very well. I was out "on the stump" in the local market, encouraging the public to vote "yes". I was harangued by many (Trades Unions and prominent local Labour Party activists were, I regret to say, the worst - though, to their credit, I didn't get any rotten fruit from the market stalls thrown in my direction LOL). But I had a conviction, and was prepared to stand up and be counted.
The certainty of youth has left me. I am open-minded. I like to consider all opinions, and I think this forum is as good as it gets.
Verdun - awww shuks!!!
But I do hope that the discussions here continue. Nothing personal - I don't agree with the tone of some posts. That's life! I am not about to throw a hissy fit if someone disagrees with me - in fact, I welcome the challenge. The day we are closed in mind to alternatives is the day the six-foot space in the ground with daisies on top awaits us. 
This thread has been quite an eye opener for me, and I suspect for others too, in all kinds of ways; but, we still don't truly know thre real consequences of staying or leaving, except for one thing that seems certain: 79,460,069 Turks will be added to EU's population of about 500 million. Food for serious thought, perhaps.
As far as I'm aware, it's far from clear if Turkey will be allowed entry, but if they do, I'm sure , like the overwhelming majority of the 500 million EU citizens, they'll not all be coming here, despite what the Daily Hate Mail might like us to believe.