There is not a proper debate on Europe in Turkey. It has become taboo to criticize the EU. The Istanbul elite sell the EU, while the rural part of the country has little understanding of what joining the bloc really means.

Turks are waking up to two facts. One is that everything told to the Turkish people by EU leaders is lies.

Turks are a proud people. Countries like France think we are begging them to join the EU, but the reality is that we will just turn in on ourselves, become skeptical or just lose interest.

Our parties and Presidential candidates must find ways to differ without being destructive, to debate without demonizing, to put our national interest ahead of special interests, to take the long view rather than the most politically expedient short-term view, to rise above partisan politics to put America first.

The dividing question in the debate is not do we do something, but whatever we do, do we do it alone?

I don't debate with liars.