They think it's all over...

On the advocacy of Brexit, Demint et al wrote “It is unthinkable that Americans would ever subject themselves to the kind of suffocating supranationalism that exists within the EU…”

Conveniently ignoring the fact that 13 nations, now 50, gave up sovereignty to become the United States of America.

Two centuries ago, the Senate was not elected, but appointed by State government, and the President is still not elected, but instead selected by representatives of each State in proportion to the State’s number in Congress, in both cases because the authors of the Constitution did not trust the masses, and thus putting the decisions in elites.

The EU Parliament is elected much the same as the US House two centuries past to the present.

The Federal courts are not elected but instead appointed for life.

And the president runs a large unelected bureaucracy with greater power than Brussels or the other EU administration sectoons.

And when part of the USA tried to leave, it did so with an act of war resulting in the Civil War.

State militia have been far outstripped by a massive US Federal military, making the EU look third world as a force in the world.

For all the nonsense I’ve seen from Mr Demint over the years, his failure to understand of the nature of the United States of America is quite astounding, and obviously blinds him to the parallel between the EU and the USA a couple centuries ago.

I’m sure Hamilton, Jefferson, and Madison would have spirited debates about the EU, but would on the whole agree with it and wholeheartedly approve.

Michael Pettengill , Merrimack, New Hampshire, US

It is disappointing that some Remainers have shown so little grace in their response to the referendum. Their tone remains one of condescension – an extraordinary belief that they are right and we Leavers are wrong. It is no surprise to hear this from the teenage scribblers of the Economist but unexpected from CapX although I note your columnist is based in France.

This is no time for recrimination but instead requires a positive, forward looking approach. This is an opportunity to regain our national self determination. The faceless statists have lost the argument and should accept that rather than crying like spoiled children.

Martin Paling, South east England, UK

How old is Walter Ellis? The lad needs to calm down. Besides, these arguments have been put to the test on a huge turnout and found wanting.

James Grierson, York, UK

I am not sure that we appreciate the chasm between theory and practice in Europe. For centuries it has been “Say one thing, do another” as a way of surviving in a totalitarian regime. Our sort of parliamentary democracy and freedom of speech is comparatively new there. Yet it appears that Europe is no more comfortable than we are with the EU super (totalitarian?) state.

The theory may be attractive but the reality is very different. While the EU majors on regulations, focused collective political decisions on major issues escape it. Driven by the TROIKA of EU Commission (bureaucrats), the ECB and IMF, is it fit for purpose in the very different world of the C21st? We are already in uncharted waters.

Dorothea Bradley, Taunton, Somerset, UK

In Memoriam

I didn’t know Jo Cox, but I wish I had. This tiny, courageous woman with the dimpled smile and a fierce determination to make the world a better place shames us all, obsessed as we are with our own petty preoccupations and selfishness. In her short life she made a difference, fighting for those neglected and ignored by the rest of the world. How many of us can honestly say that we will leave the world a better place? To honour her memory we should all try to be better people, putting aside racism, bigotry and greed. We are no longer the honourable, inclusive, tolerant nation that we were proud to belong to. The rot has set in and is destroying our proud heritage. My heart breaks for her family and friends, especially her husband and young children. Their pain will last for ever but so will their pride in the wonderful woman they were privileged to call wife mother and daughter.

Patricia Dexter, Nottingham, UK

Party leadership

Although difficult to read, Cameron could never lead Britain out of Europe – 24th June 2016 is more logical and informative than other debates. Cameron has been a very loyal Prime Minster to the UK, his decision to resign, though unfortunate was, in all honesty, the only decision he could have made.

What happens to the Labour Party only time will tell. We do need strong leadership, which is unbiased and able to curtail the racism, which could now be unleashed. People are scared, frightened and umcertain about the future. Having been a teacher and witnessed just how racist some children can be, we also need to protect our children from suffering this very cruel abuse.

Lettra Auckland, Lincoln, UK

Tolerance vs. control

America is safe and tolerant – 23rd June 2016

You are more likely to be struck by lightening than to be involved in a mass shooting, there is less racism and homophobia than there used to be? The author uses totally inappropriate analogies.

The fact that you are more likely to be struck by lightning has nothing to do with problems that have caused Orlando’s dead, Sandy Hook’s dead children, Columbine’s dead students and a constant stream of similar mass murders over the course of American history. Turning this history into a comparison with being struck by lighting is just crass and fails completely to even start analysing the real problems which have caused such distress to many thousands of American citizens. He clearly fails to understand that mass shootings all have causes rooted in individuals and culture which may be remediable but nobody can do a thing about lightning! He needs to start thinking about why Americans can to gun shows and buy AK47’s and other rapid firing guns for a few hundred dollars, he needs to start thinking about why so many Americans want to buy them. Tupy needs to think about why more people are killed because toddlers think their parents guns are toys and kill them or the baby than even get killed in mass shootings.

The pie in the sky nonsense he has written above was not worthy of publication and it demeans the grieving families of 48 murdered young people in Orlando and completely fails to begin to understand the problem which has something to do with the prevalence of guns.

John Williams, Alton, Hampshire, UK