The basis of my vote this time around

In past elections I have always based my vote on the candidate whose position on social issues is closest to mine. I look at things like their position on abortion, civil rights, environmental protection, consumer protection, financial support for higher education, and (as of late), war.

Recent personal events have forced me to re-prioritize my issues of concern. I now look more closely at the candidate's position on economic issues. I have never really paid much attention to that in the past, except where those positions intersect with social issues (like increasing federal grants for college). Now, I am much more interested in where the candidate stands on tax policy, extension of unemployment benefits, and general spending policies.

Every economist of any regard has said that we are heading into a recession. The most cautious don't bother to try to predict how long it will last. However, even if the country begins to improve mid-summer, as some optimists suggest, the effects on the middle class, working class, and the poor will linger much longer. At least not without some serious intervention by the government.

I am lucky that I am involved in the kind of work that keeps me employed pretty much all of the time. Not always full time, but nonetheless employed. I am also lucky that my husband works under a union contract that virtually guarantees his employment for at least the next 3 years. However, my father is not so lucky. His company, a large national printing operation, is shutting down. He will be out of a job in 6 months, maybe less. It appears that they will have to sell their home of 20 years, a house they were hoping to give to one of my sisters and her new family, in order to weather this period. My sister is in no position to buy a house right now. As my mother says, how do you take twenty years of memories and move them to a smaller place?

This is the human element of this economic crisis. But it forces me to look at the candidate whose policy proposals will support people like my parents. I want a president and Congress who will extend unemployment benefits. I want universal health insurance. I want a realistic poverty line and food stamps to be extended to the working class. I want homeowner protections from unscrupulous mortgage brokers and laws that prevent people from signing onto mortgages they cannot afford. I don't need this for myself. I want this for my parents and my sisters and every one else like them.

As an independent voter, and someone who takes that seriously, I will have to even give the Republican candidates a look. I am looking for the candidate who has the political will or creativity to support the increasing numbers of people like my parents. If the Democratic nominee isn't willing or able to do that, then I may have to vote with the other side this time.