Thread by @BettinaSRoss1

Let me put my German hat on & dispel some #Brexit myths.

1. #Germany does not wish to dominate/rule the UK, or the #EU. (If anything, domestically our chancellor is criticised for being too moderate.) Yes, we argue our positions. That's what you do. You discuss & you compromise.

2. The fact that the EU/Germany is relieved does not mean we're happy to see Britain #brexit. But we respect your decision. And we have dedicated an awful lot of time to negotiate, plan, prepare. We, too, have a country to run, you know.

3. We do regret that Britain has decided to leave. In a Trumpity world, regret is a weakness.
No, we're just sad. We would have preferred to go the extra mile and sort out our differences. But that means *everyone has to compromise. And yes, compromise is *good. Not weak.

4. Of course, #Brexit will impact on Germany & the EU. We have conducted economic assessments, we are an export nation, we're not stupid. Lives, jobs depend on a successful economy. That's why we cannot understand why - on balance - you want it. Lives, jobs depend on it.

5. We do *not wish you harm. This is very important. We don't. You are *not our enemy. Not before the referendum. And not since. Not.

As for both World Wars: We know what we've done. Believe me, we do.

So today we're sad, relieved & pragmatic. We're not perfect. Far from it. (Occasionally, very far from it.)
We're not taking this personal. We're not digging in. We will cooperate. *And protect what we have. Because we believe we're finally on the right track. And that it's good.