As of this writing, there seems to be one thing on everyone’s mind. A new president will be elected this fall and Americans want to know… What will you - Mr. or Mrs. President -do about the economy?

That seems to be the theme almost anywhere you go in the country. Even those in the wealthiest of circles have a family member or friend who has been hurt by the falling dollar, and many have even been touched themselves. But rather than just calling the money troubles “the economy,” what does that actually mean to all of us?

What it means is that everyday Americans, whether black or white, young or old, blue collar or white collar, upper or lower class, are having money issues. If that is NOT you, consider yourself fortunate. But assuming it is, or has been you in the past, you have a very real understanding of the water-cooler discussion. It means senior citizens have to decide whether to buy their prescriptions or pay the utility bill. It means moms and dads having to decide whether to pay the mortgage or the car payment. It means the college graduate working at a fast food restaurant while struggling to pay off the college loan. Quite simply, it means that decent people all across America are struggling; many are struggling in ways never before imagined.

I am not suggesting who you should or should not vote for, nor am I suggesting that a president can fix all of America’s money woes. I am also not suggesing that a great economy means that every citizen will do well. Those thoughts would be falacies. However, with the country in a recession (we could argue on that point but we’ll go with the school of public opinion on this one), it is time more than ever to at least pay attention and care.

Apathy has always abounded in every nation in the world, especially free societies, because it is simply human nature. But if you are looking to the future for the sake of your children, grandchildren, or other young family members, now is a great time to put your personal apathy aside about politics and the state of our nation. Because the current economic state of millions of American families definitely affects the generations which follow us… and that is a reason to care! As always, I look forward to your comments.