Sure the economy is deeply troubled, and the cost of gas and groceries is definitely lowering morale along with bank balances.

And hearing politicians and talking heads bicker back and forth as the election nears is getting tiresome.

But this week’s news hit an unexpected high, or low, depending on your point of view, with the proposed bailout.

The government is preparing to buy troubled assets from threatened institutions, with a $700 billion transfer of funds from the U.S. Treasury to Wall Street.

What some are calling a “blank check” strategy has prompted a frenzy of impassioned opinions.  And news channels and Internet blogs are hosting increasingly uncensored views, on topics such as the following:

How much should CEOs be paid, as they leave their lofty positions?

Should beleaguered homeowners get modified mortgages that could enable them to stay in their homes?

Will taxpayers receive an equity stake in the companies in which our government is investing?

By the end of this week, the deal should be settled.

In the meantime, this development is yet another indicator that our economy is unstable, which is hardly a surprise to anyone who has bought a gallon a milk or a gallon of gas lately.

The economy has become the primary issue for the presidential candidates this week. Proposed plans for the future, and promises for change, are starting to sound a lot less convincing than they did a few days ago, regardless of which party is offering them.

Everyone seems to agree on one point: this is a time for strong leadership and a shared vision. And this is also a time for each American to truly think about what matters, as the political is starting to seem mighty personal.

Your vote may determine whether you can stay in your home, whether your child can go to college and whether there will be any money in your 401K by the time you retire.

Next week The Gazette will present an overview of the voting registration here in Goochland: When, where and how you can register and vote in the upcoming election.

And, what are the Goochland Democrats and Goochland Republicans doing to educate, and invigorate, voters? How can you get involved?

In the meantime, we welcome your ideas and perspective, as this election takes us closer to our future.