Get U.S. influence out of the election

The United States is sort of a "bogeyman" in itself in the Canadian election, especially when U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins complained about the anti-U.S. rhetoric in the current campaign.

It is not a huge secret that Bush would love to have Stephen Harper be the next prime minister. And experts agree that Wilkins' statements are designed to limit use of the U.S. by the Martin campaign.

As astute as Bush's people are in U.S. campaigns, they still need to learn a little about Canadian campaigns. With the U.S. owing millions to Canada over softwood lumber, issues over Canadian beef exports, the Iraq war, missile defense, gathering info on Canadian citizens for the Patriot Act, and global warming, the U.S. already is a "bogeyman."

In U.S. elections, we are used to "bogeymen": things that scare the electorate into voting for or against something. Willie Horton (1988) was a prime example.

Harper wisely said that the Conservatives wouldn't be Republicans. Martin smartly denounced the Ambassador for getting involved.

Democracies are usually smart enough not to interfere in other democratic elections. What makes Wilkins' actions even more insulting than otherwise is that under this administration, the U.S. only pays attention to Canada when it wants something. If Wilkins/Bush wants to be friends with Canada, they need to start treating Canada like a friend. Hopefully, but not likely, this will be the last attempt at influencing the Canadian election.