It seems our prior overseers across the pond find themselves in a bit of a pickle with their decision to leave the European Union. They've had years to prepare for this moment since initiating the process, but Britain just can't seem to nail down a deal. And while everyone seems to be angry with Prime Minister Theresa May, nobody is itching to take her job.
After a long tussle with Brussels, the prime minister finally emerged with a deal the other European countries granted her, mere months before Britain was scheduled to leave. But back home her deal isn't very popular, to say the least. British society seems torn between whether it wants to stay somewhat in the EU's orbit for trade purposes or rocket away in a hard separation that sees the Isle given more regulatory freedom.
Theresa May's deal was voted down with ferocity, with more than 400 votes against it in the House of Lords. That's one of the biggest political defeats for a prime minister in modern history. But despite having two votes of no confidence against her, the prime minister trudges on. Stiff upper lip and all that.
To her credit, the prime minister told Parliament that she hears them loud and clear on what they don't want (the current deal). What she doesn't know is what they do want. Is it a second referendum and a chance to stay in the EU? Is it a hard break that sends British markets crashing without a deal? Is it for her to step down? Nobody is quite sure.
It's difficult not to feel sorry for the honorable lady from Oxfordshire. The EU holds all the chips, and she's at its mercy when it comes to getting a deal. But back at home, angry British politicians don't like what the EU was willing to grant her. So where does that leave her? We'd imagine with quite a large headache.
People are saying things like, "For every Thatcher, you have to go through several Mays." But again, nobody is eager to take her post. We can't even imagine what the Tylenol budget is at 10 Downing Street. Godspeed, prime minister. Your job isn't going to get any easier between now and the end of March.
Editorial on 01/22/2019