I'm not a UK member but as a North American........

With what little knowledge I have of what the upcoming process of withdrawal will be...if, in fact, the UK will be leaving the Union...I must say I have feelings of trepidation. Their withdrawal is going to have a huge effect on the trade markets of all countries and I doubt anyone is prepared for this. I think the ramifications will reach far beyond the average voters conception. But this is just my opinion...and although I know membership cost the UK millions/billions of dollars [Euros] each year...I'm sad to see them go. Only time will tell whether the voters made a wise decision...or not. Rest assured that my nose will be in every valid/reliable news report today.

Edited to report....that the NY Times has the results of the election [to withdraw from the Union] spread across their front page along with the news of Cameron's intent to resign. This is going to be a momentous day in history...and, I fear, not a very positive one.

Anne expressed so well what I've been thinking. I'm not a resident of the UK, but one of my best friends has dual citizenship and still owns a home there. We were talking about this last night, and she has serious concerns.

If the divorce goes on...they have 2 years so nothing is imminent at this point...a lot will depend on how much that is lost is re-created, eg, trade agreements and so on. The end result may look more similar to today than one might initially think.

DH was asking me this morning if this will be a buying opportunity and I said it may be depending on how deep the panic goes.

The problem with re-creating similar trade agreements is that, to do so (as in the case of Norway and Switzerland, both non-EU members) they would have to agree to all the EU rules they currently have, such as contributing to the EU's budget and free movement of people across borders, without having any say in making these rules. So as I see it a huge step back if they want to preserve the status quo.

Other issues are that as Scotland and Northern Ireland voted strongly to stay, in the case of Scotland it may well precipitate agitation for another referendum for Scotland to leave the UK (which would have a much better chance of success now) and in the case of Northern Ireland, border crossings into Eire would have to be resetablished which will be a PITA for those travelling and trading between Northern Ireland and Eire, which could also lead to more agitation for reunification of Northern Ireland and Eire. Which would leave England and Wales on their lonesome.

Thanks for your interesting and insightful comments.

One feature of this Brexit campaign and popularistic rhetoric is its similarity to that of a certain street-smart vacuous bully who's a likely nominated presidential contender in the US. The tone, appeal to emotions (throngs of immigrants), make things like they were in years past (great again, white again...), absence of facts, bombastic rhetoric; us versus them.

I wish the UK a smooth transition in these divisive times. I hope that US citizens are careful and look with a critical eye and what (on the surface) they might find (emotionally) appealing. Look at what ensued after the last time we elected a big talkin' man with no broad view of history, culture, international relations or war.

I wonder if there will be an uptick in Time Machine stock.

My husband is a Brit and he is BEYOND thrilled that the "leaves" won this election. Beyond curbing rampant immigration and alleviating high unemployment (especially in his "home" region), this is seen as a good thing by most Brits who are over 40.

Thanks, Chloecat. I hope to learn more of this perspective.

A good demonstration that the US isn't the only country in the world to consistently make shortsighted, damaging and stupid political decisions.

European countries haven't dealt well with multiculturalism and immigration, and that leads to xenophobia. In too many places, immigrants remain marginalized and not integrated into the fabric of the countries where they live.

The UK's joblessness problem isn't too different from the US Rust Belt - decades-old employers of mostly unskilled and under-educated workers in factory and other blue collar jobs have closed and the workforce hasn't retrained or relocated to where jobs can be found.

The UK has benefited in immeasurable ways, economically and otherwise, from its membership in the EU. Not the least of which from the influx of people from continental countries (legally, because of open migration rules within the Union) who have brought skills and cultural habits that have upgraded and improved Britain. The country remains a laggard compared to its neighbors in many ways and its exit from the EU, if that isn't reversed before becoming effective, will only make it more so.

My concern is that the belief that "rampant illegal" immigration and the effects of globalization have damaged Britain's economy and society will play right into the hands of a current presidential nominee. Xenophobia is never a good thing.

I love the opinions of people who aren't British - and very likely have never even visited there. lmao

blfenton - I said NOTHING about "rampant illegal" - just "rampant." Thank you.

Oh instillchloecat - those were my quotes wrt my comment and no connection to you. I'm sorry you thought that. If I'm quoting someone's comments I put them in italics and reference the poster.

"I love the opinions of people who aren't British - and very likely have never even visited there." (imstillchloecat)

This is like telling me that I can't have an opinion on anything unless it's occurring in my own home. Not happening. Uninformed or informed, opinions are important for discussion.

chloecat, I've probably spent nearly 12 months of my life in the UK, too very many long visits to count. And I once lived (for multiple years) in a nearby EU country. How about you? lmao indeed.

Rampant ILLEGAL immigration can be discussed with no xenophobic intent. No countries have free and open immigration rules and migration laws like all others need to be respected and enforced.

Reading into more detail, the vote was an opinion tally and has no force of law. The next step would be for a government to be elected (since Cameron will step down rather than support it) that can enact a law for the exit. If it would happen that a new government could stay in power and NOT put through such legislation, nothing will change.

(Easy to jump to conclusions, for me especially since California has a referendum law that results in direct law creation when the required vote percentage is attained for items submitted for a public vote)

I've spent a total of more than three years in the UK, and lived on mainland Europe for 2.5 years. Good enough for you? You're such a snarky guy.

Nostalgia is a funny thing. There are (generally older) Russians who would like more of 'the good old days' under Stalin. (By golly, you knew what was what back THEN!)

The issue is complex and very interesting.

Just on the immigrant aspect alone, there is a lot to consider. And discussing it, exploring these issues can be treading on hairtrigger ground. If politicians were not so readily pounced upon, there might be substantive discussion. It's good that here we can allow one another some latitude.

As for immigration, I've read that the US takes in few refugees and displaced persons in comparison to the UK and Europe. The policies and military endeavors of the US have resulted in huge populations of refugees and otherwise displace people over the decades. For US residents complaining about immigrants, I hope they reflect on how some of this came to be. Something to consider the next time some political leaders and there cronies want to lead us into war.

There are people who helped the US in Afghanistan and Iraq -- risked their lives and those of their families -- and who were not provided a safe exit by a slow moving congress afraid of being seen as sympathetic to potential terrorists. We go into Iraq with a rationale to save its citizenry from evil Saddam (among other proffered justifications). Somehow, Muslims become painted with a broad brush of fear and disdain. Remember the footage of the reporters and others being gunned down (Chelsea /Bradley, thank you). The fog of war can always be counted on.

Things get very complicated when you take people's from hugely disparate cultures and don't make or have the resources to pave the way towards their becoming connected, educated and involved citizens of their new country. Can any country take so many political and economic refugees and not see conflict down the road?

In the US, we can't even seem to care for our war veterans properly. We continue to repeat, the society forgets. Different generations -- it's not like its the same citizens who witness something like our Vietnam disaster and its aftermath. It's a new crop of voters, believers, enlistees.

The other evening on the network news, a pundit was discussing the Democratic congressional sit-down and referenced John Lewis's comment about the Woolworth's counter (historically important civil rights demonstration during the 1960s). The talking ("elitist"?) head said this as if the whole of his audience was going to appreciate that bit of American history. Well, okay, maybe I was watching my local PBS current events show; but even so, ask any man on the street if they know who John Lewis is. What's Woolworth's? Society is fluid. Reading history is a good thing.

In the US there are plenty of unemployed people who have solid college degrees and training. Good schools (not Trump U).

I don't have any answers. The issues are complicated and therefore lend themselves to exploitation by those seeking political office and its benefits. Also to those who want to sell us something.

A frequent letter writer to one of our local rags rants on about "illegal" (apparently Spanish speaking) immigrants (she sees or hears doing this or that). Maybe they are very legal. Maybe from a US territory. Now she works for the municipality in a position I would think she would not be particularly well-suited for (interacting with people in need or services).

chloecat, I was responding to your insinuation that some of the prior commentators (I was one) had opinions based on no experience with the UK.

I'm not a forum sheriff and you're not either. People are welcome to have any ideas they want to have.

Do I think you have relevant living experience in Europe? It doesn't matter what I think, but as long as you asked, if your time there was unrelated to the US military or government, then yes. If related, then no.

It took me forever to realize that "brexit" is a portmanteau. Duh! DH lived in London for a few years. Will see what he thinks about it.

It appears the Brits are saying that they're upset about immigration and will do what it takes to curb it.

Oh, Richard. I mean Snidely. You're so not funny it's pathetic. Have a great life - I'm putting you on "ignore" from now on. Too bad this forum doesn't really have that feature. Hey - Moderators! Can we have an "ignore" button?

chloecat- that is a bit childish don't you think?

Chloecat I'd also like to add that Brits and Europeans in general have never had a problem voicing their opinions, criticism and jokes towards the US and even less of them have experienced a visit to our country than us to theirs. Funny you'd make that comment when the shoe is (finally) on the other foot.

In regards to the job loss to immigrants, I don't think that is the issue as much as the social costs to provide to those who haven't contributed and the fear of violence is. Given the events of the past few years, I find it hard to blame them.

Chloecat, I don't remember the tone of a lot of posters on GW, but I do remember your tone. Which is usually snarky, and much less informed than Snidely.

I was on vacation, in Europe, when the Brexit vote was announced. DD's boyfriend is a Brit, and DS's girlfriend is a Brit. They are blaming the results on poor turnout, with the older generation being more xenophobic and actually getting their butts to the poles. If the younger generation wants change, then they actually have to do something about it, not just complain on their facebook pages.