It is time to end Gotcha politics.

This is my first general election campaign as a candidate and I am quite disturbed with the events that are unfolding around me. (Despite being ecstatic about the rise of the Green Party.)

The attack ads are getting ridiculous, the individual smears are getting too frequent, and what I call "Gotcha" politics is taking over the campaign.

So far, 4 candidates (one Green and 3 NDP) that I have worked with in the past have been forced to resign for various reasons, and another (A Conservative) just made the news tonight although he is still running.

Instead of talking about real issues, such as the environment or the economy, this campaign has been based on google searches and youtube videos from the past.

As a semi-active blogger, I am certain that some of my past writings our being vetted as I speak. Most likely, some political hack is waiting until the day after Elizabeth May wins the debates to put out "fake leaks" and try and throw of our momentum. I may be the victim of it or one of my colleagues, but I am sure someone is waiting for the right time to spring it upon us. (If anyone really wants to give me national exposure, that may be a very bad tactical move as I am not camera shy.)

Once again, I blame it on our electoral system.

We have a system that encourages candidates to try and undermine each other rather than work together to find common ground. We have 308 races across this country where each party runs candidates lest they look like they are unable to. We have a system where it is easier to attack your opponent than it is to promote your own ideas.

To make matters worst, we have a government system where we do not separate our executive from our legislature and as such we cannot vote directly for a leader. If you want Stephen Harper to be Prime Minister, but really like your local Green or New Democrat, you are forced to choose between local leadership and national leadership. Despite all of the US problems, at least they get an interesting leadership race because either each voters could choose Obama or McCaain, and vote for whoever at a local level.

Anyways, back to the blitz!