If not for the recent economic shocks being realized by every living person in America – unbridled inflation in the costs of education, health care, food, clothing, energy, travel and entertainment, accelerating evaporation of income earned and wealth accumulated by the working class – the current silly season of politics would be quite amusing.

Last week, a convoy of police and rescue vehicles led the first convoy over the new Interstate 35 bridge in Minneapolis, not much more than a year after the old bridge collapsed, killing 13 people and injuring 145.

The Snickers bars are in the bag with the Gatorade and pads, and the skates and sticks are in place, making it time for the newest political lobby to caucus.

The Albemarle County Natural Heritage Committee recently told the Board of Supervisors that its success was endangered by a lack of support.

How about cutting spending and holding off on the grand projects until the economy can afford it?

True democrats support their neighborhood associations and do not allow them to die from neglect.

Although I respect the different views and opinions of people in the community I feel compelled to react to the inflammatory phrasing in a letter to the editor —“ Obama unqualified on all fronts,” Sept. 15 (The Daily Progress).

Let’s hire Barack Obama.

Out of your cube and into the street.

It would be wonderful to live in a nation where every parent can take a sick child to the doctor, where working people can support their families without living one paycheck from disaster and where leaders put the common good be-fore the interests of wealth and power.

Every four years we Americans elect a person to lead our great nation and to help defend and champion the free world.

It’s heartwarming — but not unexpected — when an assistance dog saves a life. After all, that’s what they’re trained to do.

The turgid coffeehouse ad evokes Rockwellian images of rounding out “the day’s first moments with a cup of coffee — expertly blended and roasted, offering flavors that mingle delightfully with your meal.”

Congress’s approval rating has declined to close to single digits because Congress seems to be all talk and no action.

Could you voluntarily listen for 20 years to a teacher who promotes hate and then say that he had no influence on your thinking?

If you needed any evidence that the Republican candidate for vice president is anything more than a George W. Bush with long hair, you didn’t get it in Charlie Gibson’s interview with her on Sept. 11.

The Republican Party has lost its way.

Currently, Albemarle County homeowners cannot erect private wind turbines to generate electricity for their homes or farms.

When 84 percent of the people say that they are dissatisfied about the direction in which the country is headed, then it is simply mind-boggling why a candidate who advocates change is unacceptable to so many of these constituents.

Kids should be outsiders.

The sharp criticism of former governor and U.S. Senate candidate Mark Warner would be warranted — if the underlying presumption were true.

Regarding the Aug. 21 article headlined “Greenspace grows around Monticello: Foundation buys nearly 29 acres,” the Thomas Jefferson Foundation would like to clarify one point.

Tom Perriello gives an exciting and fresh viewpoint to the race for Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District.

I do not suggest that Fannie and Freddie illegally influenced mortgage rates. But ...

What happens when a company defies conventional thinking, puts people first, and takes risks with their trust?

Thanks to the author of the letter “Palin ‘organizer’ barbs shameful” (The Daily Progress, Sept. 7) for pointing out the hypocrisy of Gov. Sarah Palin and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani in denigrating Barack Obama’s experience as a community organizer, amidst the roar of approval from delegates at the Republican convention.

Thanks to the author of the letter “Palin ‘organizer’ barbs shameful” (The Daily Progress, Sept. 7) for pointing out the hypocrisy of Gov. Sarah Palin and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani in denigrating Barack Obama’s experience as a community organizer, amidst the roar of approval from delegates at the Republican convention.

The presidential election of 2008 is shaping up as a choice between two candidates with monumental differences in their political views and qualifications.

Three hundred opportunities to get help with housing.

It’s a weekend morning and Terri Petrovits offers up a family meal while the Barracks Road Shopping Center fountain bubbles nearby.