I haven't filled my blog with lots of fun pictures of bears or smiles and thoughts largely because I have been thinking (and trying to do a little work).
There's no two ways about it -- we lost this election.
I don't mean that in the superficial way; of course the Conservatives got more seats so in that sense we 'lost'.
Rather I mean this was an election where the Conservatives really didn't do a good job. Their campaign was plagued by gaffes and glitches and more they faced an economic meltdown that would shake any party in power.
But we didn't take control of the election. We never put forward a clear vision of what a Liberal future would be; and look at the bump we got when even a hint of a vision came out in the debate.
Individual candidates, whether they won or lost, did a fine job.
And my concern is not another 'it is the Leader's fault'.
Our problem is a lack of focus on core Liberal values -- a failure to make clear that we are the centre and we will run the country in a sensible and just fashion.
How do we fix this?
Well, we need to rebuild. We need to show leadership that speaks to Canadians and that says 'here is a plan'.
We need, perhaps, a new Red Book.
And we need to start now. Harper will come back to Parliament and dare an election. If we are weak, if we cannot articulate an alternate vision, and soon, we will be in for a long Conservative minority which might just turn into a majority.
The children of Israel wandered forty years in the desert. Yes, that brought new strength but we don't need forty years -- perhaps forty months but we must act now.
Let's retake Canada.
James Morton
1 comment:
I agree with you completely except I don't agree with the "Red Book" comment. Right or wrong it has been turned into a caricature in Canada, a false caricature of the Liberal Party as dictatorial and resting on its laurels.
I don't even care if it's "published" in any physical sense. But I do think the Liberals need to define their vision and objectives and to the very last person be able to speak to that vision.
Next election, whenever it comes, and despite the funds available should be filled with candidates willing and able to go before any camera or audience at any time and explain the Liberal vision and objectives for Canada.
The rest of your sentiments I agree with to a tee; I just cringe a bit when anyone says "Red Book" because the negative images people now portray of that - some who never knew what it was.
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