Brexit Was The Wrong Question

I honestly don't know if I support or oppose Britain leaving the European Union. I have friends who have staked out positions on both sides of the issue, including friends I consider intelligent with different political philosophies from myself and friends that I consider intelligent who share my political philosophy. 

In my opinion: The Brexit question was the wrong question to ask.

The question of remaining or leaving this particular institution misses the important question about what values matter in the political world. This was readily apparent from the global debate over the issue since the the same arguments were offered by different people on both sides of the question.

• Does Britain support free trade or closing trade? Some who supported remain argued that the EU is a giant free trade zone. Some who supported leave argued that Britain could create free trade deals with more countries outside the zone. 
• Does Britain support more closed or open borders? Some who supported remain argued that the EU encouraged the free movement of people within the institution. Some who supported leave argued that Britain could adopt policies for the free movement of people's from outside Europe.
• How can Britain have the greatest global influence? Some who support remain argued that the EU has tremendous influence and Britain should remain influential there. Some who support leave argued that Britain could play a bigger role on its own.
• How do we reduce bureaucracy and government waste? As anyone who has seen Yes, Minister knows, the UK government is not free of these things itself. The question seems to be more of whether the waste is produced locally or abroad.

Ultimately, both sides present the same possibilities and dilemmas; the vote was going to do little to predict the future. Right or wrong, now that the UK has voted to leave, it's likely that the decision is going to receive the bulwark of all praise and/or blame for any successes or failures of the country to choose wisely or poorly about these other issues. More than anything else, the end of the referendum is an opportunity for Britain to engage in debate over the meaningful issues.