Last January, I gave a talk about the future of democracy. As 2023, draws to a close, I'm posting that talk here, which I hope contains some useful ideas for the year ahead. Democracy’s Second Act Maclean’s Idea Summit Peter MacLeod | Jan 30, 2023 I want to talk about politics tonight and why it feels as though democracy is in a rut. Some have suggested there are three words that sum up our condition — each starting with the letter ‘P’ — polarization, pessimism and populism. And they keep pushing in, making politics for a lot of people less hopeful and more frustrating. I guess we can say that in politics, at least, quiet quitting isn’t new. It’s been underway across the electorate for decades. So I think we can be forgiven if, when we look around we ask ourselves, is this all there is? Is this as good as it gets? Being led by leaders no one wants to listen to, and parties very few of us want to join. Arrogant governments on the left and the right that behave as though they won every vote when none of them can convince more than a quarter of us to mark an X. Public debate that’s evasive and condescending. A culture of mistrust that makes us guarded and cynical and ultimately resigned. And maybe worst of all, the belief that we’re not really equal to the challenges we face, and that the best we can do is the best we can do, given the circumstances. Well, for the past 15 years I’ve been running something of a quiet experiment about the future of democracy that tries to set itself against this story. In that time, I’ve invited tens of thousands of Canadians to take a seat at the table and share responsibility for what happens when a hospital can no longer provide all the services a community needs, or when a transit agency needs to figure out where to put new services and how we should pay for them. Running dozens of what are often called Citizens’ Assemblies, where randomly selected residents do the work of legislators, I’ve watched Canadians away from the spotlight make plans to amalgamate municipalities, protect their privacy, end homelessness, strengthen healthcare, and regulate social media. Count it all up and I guess I’ve watched some 60,000 hours of volunteer time poured into this work of true self-government and you know, when Canadians from every corner of the country and every walk of life sit together, they don’t sound like Question Period. They don’t waste time with the trivial stuff — they get to business, they hear each other out and they come up with smart solutions. It turns out we’re not 49 to 51 on most things. In fact most of the time, given the opportunity and good information, people work through the trade-offs and find their way to common ground. So here’s what I think: I think we face two simultaneous challenges. Read the full text: https://lnkd.in/gvTTWYB5
Cathy Bogaart
7mo
Thank so much for posting this. I love this part especially, because it relates to almost everything: “Because this isn’t as good as it gets. It’s not, as many suppose, that democracy is in decline, it’s that at best, our democracy is in its adolescence. We’re at the midpoint, not the end state. And that’s why I have hope.” I will admit, I know very little about the program you’re referring to. I worry about our sometimes (evolutionarily important) myopic self-interest as citizens make decisions. Is this a fair concern? I also agree that better information is critical to ensure we head in the right direction. This is my larger worry—that we (myself and politicians included) make choices based on minimal or inaccurate information that enable flawed self-interest to influence. That I will choose more money or status for me rather than greater sustainability for the greater number. Trying new things is always fraught with imperfection and it’s really the only way to learn to do better. This, too, is evolution—driven by mistakes. I’m curious to know what failures you’ve learned from in this undertaking also. Would be great food for thought. Although I appreciate the need for optimism and I thank you for it!
Peter MacLeod this is truly thought provoking and insightful. Thank you for sharing it with us. I was glad to work on a hospital initiative with you and witness some of the personal public power you describe at work.
Mohammad A.
8mo
Was a pleasure to work with you Peter. I think you are right on point. Love your perspective!
This is very important!
LOVE this, Peter! Thx for sharing and gratitude for the work.
Civil Servant | Toronto District School Board | Ontario Public Service
8moLower the voting age? When only less than half of eligible voters are actually casting ballots. We need to incentive the voters to vote, not to lower age. More information needs to be given to voters, so that its no longer based on media or perception or public opinion, but actually on public information. Votes shouldn’t be just cast, they should be informed, and residents should feel empowered to vote, not apathetic.