by Peter Ruzzo

Created on: February 23, 2008   Last Updated: June 07, 2008

"It's the economy, stupid." Take any current political issue; the war in Iraq, education, health care or immigration. The inherent controversy within each issue boils down to economics. The issue of illegal immigration, for example, has everyone riled up because our tax dollars are tied up into providing services for illegals. The war in Iraq is costing this country billions of dollars. In April of 2008 the cost of fuel per month for the war effort cost the federal government $153 million dollars. I can only imagine what that figure will be when oil hits $170 dollars a barrel. As an electorate we have a very important decision to make in Nov. We better start paying attention to the policies outlined by the candidates.

Access to good jobs, affordable health-care and housing are as fundamental to a healthy economy as apple pie is to Americana. The American voter has a grasp on where money should be spent and where money should not be spent. A candidate that can best assure the American people that their livelihood will not be in jeopardy, and presents the voters with a policy that allays any fears, will certainly garner their interest. Politicians must present tangible and understandable economic policy issues while voters must educate themselves in basic economics. It is a two way street.

Voters simply see the economy from a very limited frame of reference; how it affects them and their families. Candidates can provide sound economic policies to deal with problems but these policies must be broad enough to encompass all socio-economic groups. If you're a wealthy American who invests money and a candidate wants to lower the capital gains tax then you listen. If you're middle class when the candidates start talking about tax breaks for people in middle income brackets, your ears perk up. If you're an industrial worker and a candidate starts talking about why you just lost your job because a foreign company can produce the product cheaper, you listen. When Ross Perot ran for president he attacked the heart and soul of NAFTA (I mention the North American Free Trade Agreement because it really opened up the flood gates to outsourcing and American jobs going overseas.) He said that American manufacturing jobs would be lost to Mexico. That is the case but free trade will promote industry and economic cooperation between nations. Look at the European Common Market. Perot, a wealthy business man, did not win the election because his populistic rhetoric alienated too many

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