Campaign 2008 update

Jacques Marcoux, volunteer staff

There you have it. I wrote my first political smear-ad, and it took all but five minutes.

It’s actually quite easy. In fact, a fifth grader could write these in a matter of minutes. All you need to do is follow the following four steps:

First, choose which party you will unwaveringly support no matter what the circumstances.

Second, select a time horizon that coincides with a major event, generally a looming election. Remember, timing is everything.

Third, ensure that you select a complex grey issue and be sure to turn it into an overly simplified black-or-white issue. Playing on the subjective emotions of the public, wrapping oneself in the flag, or the kissing of babies is recommended but remain optional.

And last but not least, only provide half of the facts to the intended audience. Remember, this is key.

Canada’s political parties are clearly no strangers to these simple four steps, as there is a recent outbreak of political smear ads sweeping the country. Interestingly enough, I have yet to come across a Liberal smear-ad condemning the Conservatives — probably because they currently lack the organizational leadership to even co-ordinate such a campaign.

I have, however, been receiving an increasing number of conservative propaganda flyers in my mailbox on a weekly basis — clearly as a precautionary measure in the event of a potential early election. This time around, local MP Steven Fletcher’s ads are accusing the Liberals of wanting to plunge the country into a deficit as well as providing criminals with what appears to be a day at the spa.

This is a complete misrepresentations of the true facts and extremely disingenuous to all Canadians. This is unacceptable behaviour from our elected officials, and we have an obligation to let them know. Once again, I encourage you to mail all of your smear ads right back to the original sender.

Jacques Marcoux is a commerce graduate.