What I'm doing with the nasty taste that Brexit left.

Right, I don't often get into politics here but the weekend’s events have pushed me to write about something more than the usual ramblings. 

To say I was utterly gutted by the EU Referendum result doesn't cover it but democracy, however skewed, has spoken.  Those that think this will blow over by July are deluded as we'll still technically be in the EU for a while and its looking decidedly doubtful we'll have a leader sorted by then either, it’s gonna be rocky for a while yet.  

I am neither a politician nor an economic expert and I haven't a scooby what state England/UK will look like in a year or two when we have actually split from the EU, the immediate effect though is paddle-less shit creek territory. Even if we do manage to fix our economy, our political parties, our relationship with Europe and Canada, USA and Germany do want to trade with us, there's no denying currently, the leave vote has strengthened those with a far right agenda. #PostRefRacism trending in social media shows examples of idiocy on the rise, which leaves many asking how do I cleanse myself of the hatred that is seeping into our society?

Here are my suggestions:

1. Be extra kind today.  Yep I know, this may not be the go get 'em advice you were hoping for but before you dismiss this as pointless hippy talk give it a try.  First off it's immediate, something you can do right now to soothe an irritated mind.  Secondly it will have a calming influence on you, you'll be taking a small amount of control back from this shit storm.  Thirdly you'll most likely make someone else feel better as well. 

2. Look for one of those events talking about joining people together. *Insert Nearest Town* Stays meetings, EU picnics and progressive groups are popping up everywhere. As long as they aren't pissing-and-moaning-because-we-didn't-get-what-we-wanted parties it’s a positive step forward.

3. Young'uns. Educate yourself and get involved.  Find out what us old foggies are doing to the world you are going to inherit. If this f*ck up has taught us anything its that every vote DOES count.

4. Keep your eye out for anyone that is being harassed or abused.  I will and am pledging here not to turn a blind eye.   In London there are almost a million Europeans, many of whom now feel extremely vulnerable and unwelcome.  I'm not suggesting they can't look after themselves however should they turn around and see millions more of us are saying 'we've got your back' odds are they'll feel a little better.  

Let me be clear.  This is not a call to attack, to argue with family or disparage other opinions.  It’s a call to care, to defend the vulnerable.  To prove to the world 48% of the UK ARE interested in being a part of a global solution. More if those that regret/feel sick that they have inadvertently aided racists join in.

And if this action happens to irk someone whose only reason to vote leave was xenophobic, well that's just icing!