Bill of goods

A recent headline declared “Money Replaces Iraq in Voter Concerns” (as though we were limited to one concern at a time). Given increasing signs of economic instability, and burgeoning talk of imminent recession or worse, it makes sense that pollsters and candidates would focus on families’ financial worries. Largely missing from public discourse, though, is something blatantly obvious to progressives and antiwar activists—the connections between the faltering economy and the current regime’s military misadventures.

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‘West Wing’

I couldn’t help but wish that Martin Sheen’s character, Jed Bartlett, was actually running for president as I lay on my couch in pain last Wednesday watching episode after episode of “The West Wing,” desperately willing time to move faster.

“I’m sure you just have a stomach bug,” she had said on the phone, “Or maybe a touch of the flu.”

“Okay,” I said. I was nauseous and my head hurt. “What do I do now?”

“Ginger ale, toast, rest,” then, “You kind of just have to wait for it to pass.”

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Some visionaries look at 2008

At the beginning of the year, we asked some local residents who have taken an active role in shaping the future of our area what they foresee as the challenges and prospects for the coming year. Here are some of their comments.

Troy Bystrom, founding member, Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition

“Through the use of vast social networks and internet technology, public awareness and response to issues is instantaneous and political interests that do not reflect the direction of the public they serve will not be tolerated. We are optimistic that 2008 will bring a new direction for our nation, a direction that places value on historic, cultural, recreational resources, conservation, alternative energy, individuals and small business instead of on corporate greed and influence.”

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