Do we need a referendum ?

While I was driving the other day I was listening to LBC radio. What a surprise what was the discussion about ?

EU ! and Brexit !

What else you think it would have been .

Well there was this gentlemen who was expressing his point, which was Do we need a referendum ?
 the reason that he given made me to think.

We already have a democratic process through which we elect a government who we trust would work with the best interest of the country and the people living in it.

For example if they think that the best position for the country is to remain in the EU then they should follow their conviction and if their decision proved to be wrong and they would be dealt with in the ballot box when they face the voters again.

Is remaining in or leaving the EU is that important to our economy is the general voters are the best people to take that decision.

These kind of important decisions should be taken with a careful considered way not by being emotionally charged.

What I am thinking is definitely an after thought and a lay person like me is not going to make any difference in either side of the argument. But it is a serious thought that is it sensible for important matters like this needs to be left in the hands of the public whose decision on that particular day will determine the economic and security issues of the country.

Well makes  you wonder ! does it not ?

Passion and Patriotism are two very important virtues but when they are charged by pure emotions the outcome may not necessarily based on clear thinking.

It is true the European issue was a thorn in the side for Conservative party and was hanging over them for decades. Erosion of the support into Conservative support by Nigel Farage has somehow forced the Conservative party's hand to offer the referendum.

I hope everyone of us will think very carefully considering the fact that our vote on the 23rd of June is going to shape the future for generations to come.

After all it is the sovereignty that we have allowed this referendum to be held !

Let us vote with our head not our heart

Sakthi Sakthithasan

Only one answer ?

I am in fact an immigrant !

who came to this country some forty one years ago at the tender age of eighteen.

Now at the prime age of 59 I am a British citizen in every sense. Yes I am a "British Sri Lankan" , " British Tamil" , " British Hindu " call me in any name but the word British stands firmly and proudly in front of my name.

I have lived in this country through different stages as a "student" , "part time worker" , " trainee" and an "engineer" through which time I was also a husband, father etc.

But to be honest so far in my life racism has not hindered me in any way to progress my life. Instead I had helping hands which aided me to come up in life.

The experiences I had in this country is second to none. I have always been very proud to contribute to the country that I have adopted as my own.

Having said that I will be lying if I also do not say that at occasions I have come across racist attitude from some people whom I classify as ignorant people who you will find in any society in any part of the world.

I was watching the Question time in BBC last night and am beginning to worry about the current trend of political turn the country is adopting.

When I say the country it does not mean the population but, the leading politicians who unfortunately repeatedly appearing in the current affairs programmes.

What is the issue you may ask ?

Well my question is, is there only one answer to the question for all the current problems in our country ? " Immigration"

Well unfortunately and worryingly that is the picture at least some politicians are trying to create.

In the above said programme last night the UKIP leader was relating the Europe issue for every question asked which in turn ended up in immigration.

We all know there are million and one other points which needed to be discussed before the European referendum but instead there is always one person inserts the immigration and everyone else hovers around it.

It is frighting for instance the so called "immigration" issue is resolved then where do they stand what other fear they are waiting to manipulate ? well ........ I am beginning to worry.

Please do not mistake me. Immigration is a big factor that is playing in every ones mind. But a solution for that is only "a" solution and not "the" solution for all the problems.

For every person who tries to hang on to this issue I agree there are about 20 people who has the same view as me but unfortunately they do not get the same air time in my view.

Healthy debate in issues like immigration is very important. It is sad that for some time because of the political correctness  these issues were swept under the carpet and if anyone tries to open up a decent debate they were branded as racists.

Because of that I think the pendulum is about to swing far into the other side, even though it helps to redress the balance there is also a danger of creating an unsettle feeling in the minds of people like me.

It is sad to say that while I agree with many things that UKIP leader Nigel Farage says hesitant to support him because of his continued red rick on Immigration.

If everyone is expected to vote with their consensus then the fear of this constant "immigrant" bashing need to be curtailed . Well there are many so called immigrants and the sons and the sons of immigrants who also support the argument to leave the EU.

These kind of fear make people ponder about their future and their off springs future. Even though I was born in Sri Lanka and has a brown skin this is my country and I am very proud to be British.

This does not mean that I do not respect my religion but being a good Hindu is to live peacefully without hindering others and practise what we practise within our own selves.

It is in the hands of the politicians on all sides to make everyone feel that they belong to this country while controlling the immigration, without a doubt it is needs to be controlled. At the same time  other factors  which affects Britain's membership of EU need to be debated more as well.

This is only a lay man's view.

"Immigration" is not the only answer to all the questions.

Sakthi sakthithasan