Less cause to celebrate during this Labor Day

Yesterday Americans celebrated a national holiday that's over 100 years old. Over the years Labor Day has evolved from a purely labor union celebration into a general last fling of summer. It is usually an occasion to enjoy the successes of hard work and prosperity. For many American families, however, there was no cause for joy in Mudville, or anywhere else, this year.

Fuel, food, utility, and other rising costs leave little for extras, including entertainment and travel. The reality is, most Americans are not fairing well.

The Republicans and the Democrats will continue the ad nauseam rhetoric over who did - or didn't do - what. Lets cynically conjecture about advice a senior politician might share with a freshman colleague, "Remember the first rule of politics: Play the 'blame game.' It obscures the problems we created, or avoid dealing with, helps with our re-election, and protects our political future with all of the special privileges and benefits which befit our rank."

It's safe to say this country's problems are serious, the challenges are difficult, the solutions could be painful, and bipartisan cooperation is essential.

Seventy days from now polling sites will open for the most important general election in some of our lifetimes. Many voters feel this country's future is at a very serious crossroads. The 1900s were described as 'America's Century.' This century could very well be China's. We can't be strong abroad, until we're strong at home.

This Presidential election has the potential to be - according to many recent opinion surveys - one of the closest in recent memory... possibly closer than the contested results in 2000, which were finally resolved in the chambers of the U.S. Supreme Court.

The need for change is in the minds of many voters. Change, however, never comes easy. It's usually accompanied by personal inconvenience, discomfort and sacrifice. Are Americans ready to accept this?

Wise voters understand the issues and don't expect our next President to turn us around in a month, or even in a year. Much labor is required by all.