MAY 1, 2007

       Election time is here again.  What’s that?  “Sigh” you say?

       It’s like the best time of year (besides Christmas, which is still my favourite).  That’s right, elections seem to be an annual event in Manitoba: more frequent than the Olympics and costing almost as much as them too.

       I liken an election campaign to Christmastime. 

       Think about it -- all the candidates have something to whine about and run to tattletale on the “bad guy” and rally to get the supporters (read: close family members) on side with the “good guy.”  People glare at each other from across the table and maybe there is the occasional word spoken to each other, but it’s heartless and both people know it.  The second the other person leaves it’s fair game to start talking about him or her and gossiping.

       Nothing makes the holidays more fun than the drama and whispering behind the scenes.

       A lot of families have that one person who can tell a story and ramble on while everybody else listens and nods as if to agree with or at least side with that person.  Secretly nobody believes a word he or she is saying and the consensus is the group just wants them to shut up.

       An election is like having your bickering family members grumbling about each other leading up to the “big day” and then everybody is all smiles when shaking hands during the event.  That’s exactly what happens during a political campaign.

       Call me the Amazing Kreskin but here’s a prediction: the month of May will have continued attacks across party lines and with the battle of words escalating in the form of commercials, newspaper ads and onsite visits from the leaders.  May 22 is election day, so this nastiness will continue right up until May 21 (and maybe even on the “big day” in the hopes of getting those last-minute votes).

       Later that night or the following day there will be hugs from the losers to the winners and congratulatory handshakes as the cameras flash for the perfect photo opportunity.

       When the dust clears and all the flashy wrapping (or campaign signs on front lawns) is gone, it’s back to the plotting and scheming for the next round of battle.

       Merry election day, everyone!