Op-Ed: This story has to go into Odd News; in fact it would belong in bizarre news if we had such a page.

Early in November The Independent reported "The European Parliament is to consider a plan that would allow British citizens to opt-in and keep their European Union citizenship – and its associated benefits – once the UK leaves the EU."

Saturday that story is back in the news.

"Britons wanting to retain benefits of European Union membership after the country leaves could pay Brussels for individual citizenship, European Parliament's lead Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt told The Times on Saturday."

"The scheme would allow UK citizens to pay an annual fee to receive free movement around the EU, the right to reside in other EU countries under current rules, and the right to vote in EU elections, according to Sky News."

Britain is a divided country already so imagine if that scheme becomes reality.

How much could it cost? Will it in effect allow those with money to spend a better option and exclude the poor? Will there be full dual nationality with all that can bring?

There are numerous questions and few answers at this time.

Just how practical an EU opt-in scheme would be who really knows.

Because the reality could be that even if you voted for the UK to remain in the EU you may not be able to afford the fee.

Some EU countries are already considering a visa or fee or both for Brits to enter the country post BRexit.

The problem with that is many poorer regions of the EU including some of the Spanish Islands and Costas rely heavily on tourism.

If Brits decide to vacation at home many EU countries will be financially screwed.

But then there are British residents living in the EU and vice versa.

When David Cameron staged the EU referendum he opened a real can of worms.

When the going got tough and a majority of people voted BRexit he cleared off.

As the say, never trust a Tory!

Stylist

Following last week's US election there have been numerous reports of hate, racism and abuse across the Pond.

While some may be exaggerated or lies the majority are fact.

Tuesday the Washington Post reported " W.Va. mayor resigns amid controversy over racist comments about Michelle Obama."

The comments?

Michelle Obama, 52, was referred to as an "ape in heels."

The orginal person commenting, Pamela Ramsey Taylor, who was director of the Clay County Development Corp, said she was happy that Mrs Obama was going to be replaced saying "It will be so refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady back in the White House.” She added: “I’m tired of seeing a Ape in heels.”

For this writer that means Ms Taylor is not only a bigot and racist but a fool.

The First Lady elect is a superficial looker but classy? Michelle Obama is a looker but so much more including classy and a positive role model for young women.

Still Ms Taylor may be one of those Americans fooled by Fox News into believing UKIPs interim leader Nigel Farage is the leader of the official opposition in the UK and working class. Hilarious.

So who is Melania Trump, 46?

Donald J Trump, 70, spearheaded the so-called birther movement against Barack Obama but it appears fine that his much younger wife is foreign born.

Was that ridiculous birther movement all about the colour of Pres. Obama's skin?

Mayor Beverly Whaling, who commented approvingly on the Facebook post comparing the first lady to an ape, turned in her letter of resignation Tuesday. Taylor, the director of a government-funded nonprofit group was removed from her position Tuesday.

Whaling tried to say she was not approving of Taylor's "ape in heels" statement but rather the election of Trump. But she did not call the other woman out.

Both women removed their comments and Facebook pages but it was too late.

Screengrabs are quick and lasting.

The incident quickly went viral and caused outrage.

But sadly such vile opinions and comments will continue but be shared privately.

After all you cannot fix STUPID.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/11/14/ape-in-heels-w-va-officials-under-fire-after-comments-about-michelle-obama/