Of principled stands

In the turmoil of the bigger picture whirling like a kaleidoscope, not too many have noticed the rapid leadership changes in less than a year in four political parties in the UK. Conservative David Cameron who had campaigned on the Remain platform, threw in the gauntlet after the electorate voted Exit. Nigel Farage, who defines himself as not a politician, stepped down from the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) after the famous Brexit vote. His second replacement Paul Nuttal threw in the towel after failing to win a single seat in parliament and now Tim Farron has decided to leave the leadership of the Liberal-Democrats.
Cameron's was predictable and principled. He was unwilling to tide over a Brexit negotiation his heart was never in. Farage was and continues to be an enigma, taking the UK and European establishment to task, saying his job was done after Brexit and yet his name is being passed around after Nuttal's departure. He too, took a principled stand. Theresa May didn't take any stand after losing badly in a gamble where she not only did not get her expected bigger majority but actually returned with fewer seats. And Jeremy Corbyn has to be the biggest winner, even though Labour weren't voted back in.
The Liberal Democrats' finest moment came when David Cameron was forced to be strange bedfellows with Nick Cleg. His worst moment was when he went back on all commitments to his supporting electorate. And even though Farron came across as one of the better debators, the electorate's suspicions were borne out. Yet, the reasons for Farron's departure was totally different. He believes his Christian faith puts him in conflict with the flow and nature of politics and the statement comes at a time when the UK is being torn asunder by terrorism that has Islam written all over it.
A short while ago a survey in the U.K. suggested that the numbers with full faith in religion were dwindling and Scotland had the fewest of believers. The conversion of churches to community centres and worse, restaurants are indicative but leaders, whatever their faith never came out as openly. On the back of the terror attacks there have been vociferous calls for closing mosques down. 
Religious faith is a major sector in Ireland and one of the main concerns about the coalition between the conservatives and the LUD party has raised eyebrows because they are at open odds with permissibility of gay marriages. Farron also inclines to that type of thought but the question begs, why did he pick up the mantle in the first place.
In spite of all the provocations, the U.K. government hasn't wielded the religious cull but as principle gives way to fear and closed minds, one wonders where it's all heading to. While there is simmering rage against extremists who are smearing Islam, the government has held its ground. Religion-based politics are not in vogue but when the Farrons make these statements the fear of bigotry looms large. The matter of live and let live works when both sides make compromises. 
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