Postscript: Lessons Learned

• Author: Gregory Tardi
• Pages: 635-643

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LESSONS LEARNED

The difference between recounting events, however interestingly and

completely, and the genuine analysis of a landmark process in the

Democratic evolution of a country is the establishment of conclusions

based on what we record as having happened. Given Canada’s experience

of the rd federal general election, it seems appropriate to sketch out

lessons learned. Given the short time that has elapsed between the vote

and the completion of this volume, these lessons are necessarily inter-

locutory in nature.

1) Statement on Democratic Vision

A serious campaign platform should not consist merely of a slogan and

a collection of vague promises about intentions and benef‌its to be pro-

vided to one segment of the population or the other. Political parties

should have a clear understanding of Democracy and how it diers from

capitalism and individuals’ prosperity. Campaigns should therefore have

a comprehensive and cohesive general orientation that answers the ques-

tion: What is good for the country? It ought to be able to express to the

population at large a vision that it has for the country and its society. It

is from that general vision that laws, policies, and programs designed for

the public interest will f‌low.