17 Comments

Remember how in the last issue/episode/missive, you were able to drive into Spain as if you were driving from one US state into another? EU. 🙂 But, hopefully, you knew that by now 🙂

This freedom of travel, which doesn't happen between member and non-member states, but is guaranteed between the Republic and the North in the Good Friday Accords, is a huge sticking point in Brexit on the island of Ireland. Actually, I am just gonna stop here 🙄😀

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We were a bit surprised there was nothing at the border between the two countries but, yes, we'd figured it out. 🙂

And I had no idea there was such a major freedom of movement issue on the island of Ireland. So much to learn ...

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Head-spinning layers of governmental involvement and oversight beyond the national level.

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Keeping Europe at peace. After two world wars an incredible achievement. In spite of its imperfections!

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I heard that residents (not citizens) may register and vote in the European elections. Do you know?

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I don't think that's the case in Portugal but it's possible rules can vary from country to country. Here's what I found for Portugal: https://elections.europa.eu/en/how-to-vote/pt/9/

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Thanks. That answers my question.

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Thanks for doing the very heavy lifting for the rest of us to understand the complicated system we now live under. I better understand now why Britain was told once you leave you aren’t coming back.

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Oh goody. Because more friendly to Russia and more hostile to planetary survival sounds like a great combo.

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We are living in interesting times.

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The future of the EU dies not sound much brighter than the future of the US does.😪

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Well, there are fewer guns here. And fewer people preaching violence in general or advocating the destruction of government. At least for now.

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And Portugal's former President isn't anxiously awaiting the verdict in his first criminal trial. It is so often the little things that matter most.

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Madeira is a little different, but the chasm between old hardliners and the youth is the same. Only here, the young are quite aware that all of Chega is from the mainland, so the autonomous region might become less autonomous - not great. Thanks for all the data. I'm (sadly and disturbingly) paying attention to the US election... I will say no more. :-(

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So the kids don't care about the autonomy? They're just buying whatever Chega is selling?

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Don't know. I think they just want change... Similar to something that happened in a land you and I are both familiar with!

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Ah yes. Change. Almost as if they've had "enough" of the status quo. Which, to be fair, it's hard to blame them for.

I've been starting to feel like Portugal is maybe 5 years behind the US politically. Except for the guns and violent rhetoric.

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