It will probably make me unpopular but: I can't totally disagree with you Aucks.
I am afraid though that you residing in NZ (in pref to UK) is setting yourself up to be severely shot at.
Yes, the uncontrolled immigration is a problem, and yes the open door policy was stupid, and yes again the EU is a 'failing institution'.
I did say that this way forward could actually destroy the UK (Scotlands as good as on its own way) and the acceleration of a possible EU collapse, but no worry it won't affect us ???
But, for me there are two huge issues;
The EU (earlier called the Common Market) is not what many bought into all those years ago, its becoming a federal dictate.
Time and again the populace have heard that migration will be brought under control, but there's precious little sign of it, (schengen is in all but name).
The EU elite are totally blinkered in forging their path, no matter. Our own political elite have not exactly bestowed themselves very well and with that I'm afraid the electorate has lost total faith and felt they're not being heard or represented.
Along comes the people to save us and take us back to our illustrious empirical days, Rule Brittania and all that.
But that ship sailed centuries ago and the worlds now a very different place. We've had 'our turn' at the top table, but now all that's over.
I would not, and do not dis anyone for voting to go on this uncharted journey, for the reasons above, but for me its one hell of a risk.
I firmly believe that even now, as commented upon in one piece, that London (the powerhouse of the UK) could well be plotting some form of separatist conclave apart from all of the 'outsiders'. How this would shape up I have no idea.
I just really do hope that we 'rise to the challenge' sufficiently to place us on an even keel, whilst still having a trading platform with the EU. I would also like to think that the EU struggles on, and does not dissolve into an almighty mess, where the repercussions do not bear thinking about.
There is a utopian ideal being touted where we all go our own ways (in the aftermath of a EU demise), but at the same time get along really well. Not so sure about that, as we can't agree within 'the club', so not any realistic chance out of it.
If the EU had acknowledged its failings and taken on board all its populaces concerns and then amended 'the plan', we would not be where we are today.
There is a EU powerhouse out there that will now be hurting, as will the larger corporations and the City of London, all of which this vote rails against, but they're there and can do untold harm in retribution.
Calm heads are needed now.
Please don't forget its a forum lads for opinion, if you totally disagree that's fine.