In light of British Columbia’s debt, which is now more than $50 billion, we must take in the famous words of wisdom by Scottish professor Alexander Fraser Tytler:

“A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the majority discovers it can vote itself largess out of the public treasury. After that, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefits, with the result the democracy collapses because of the loose fiscal policy ensuing always to be followed by a dictatorship.”

Our democracy could fail with loose fiscal policy. God forbid the professor is proven right, and his prediction comes to pass here in Canada in the not too distant future. We must face this sobering reality even if it hurts. Voters should also keep the quote in mind as we go to the poll booth and consider candidates and their wonderful promises. 

A lasting democracy will demand an exercise in wisdom by the everyday folks who vote in the governors.

David Carlos

Victoria

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