NEED TO UNITE WORKERS AND IMMIGRANTS

The vote in Britain to exit the European Union (EU) is a victory for those who believe in the right of self-determination and who reject the pro-corporate, austerity policies of the political elites in EU. The vote says no to the EU’s vision of a world run by and for big business. It is also a rejection of the European political elite and their contempt for ordinary people



The Brexit vote is one more sign that voters are in revolt against the rigged economy and the rigged political system that created it. People want change and they will get it one way or the other.

The austerity policies pushed aggressively by the EU bankers in the wake of the 2008 economic collapse has harmed the economies of European nations. It has also led to the kind of divisions between the working class and immigrants that fueled the Brexit. The increase in anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and anti-refugee sentiment expanded because of the EU's economic policies, and was a key driver in support of the UK's departure from the European Union. Counterproductive austerity policies, cuts in government spending and loss of government jobs having created similar hateful, nationalist rhetoric promoted by my Republican opponent Donald Trump.



We must build a culture of inclusiveness and respect, and challenge the anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim pronouncements of demagogues who divide and distract us from the real source of economic distress – the economic elites throwing us all under the bus.



Government spending and job creation has historically led the United States out of recessions. I have proposed a Green New Deal which would fund a green energy transition and create millions of jobs. I also call for cancelling student loan debt – as we did for Wall Street after it crashed the economy in 2008. Liberating the younger generation to lead the way to a new economy is perhaps the most powerful stimulus package imaginable. The divisions promoting hateful xenophobia will not occur if the economy grows from the bottom, the wealth divide shrinks and people see hopeful futures.



The challenge now is to expand the political movement in the United States, Britain and beyond, that opposes austerity and the rule of bankers – including destructive corporate trade agreements like the Trans Pacific Partnership and the TTIP. We must also defend the rights of workers and immigrants, and adopt sustainable economic policies that lift up the quality of life for all while transitioning to 100% clean energy as an urgent priority to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. And we must reject the catastrophic military adventures that have caused so much of the immigration crisis to start with, while simultaneously bankrupting our economies.



We will continue to work with our fellow Greens in the UK who are already leading the way in Britain, and with Green Parties throughout Europe and beyond, to promote these urgently needed changes in all countries.



Britain has spoken for much of humanity as it rejects the failed vision of a world that prioritizes profit for the few amidst hardship for the many. Now we must build on this momentum. Together we can create a world that works for us all, that puts people, planet and peace over profit. #ItsInOurHands