Simple Advice This Election

Here's a startlingly anomalous political blog post. I won't mention a candidate's name even once.

Times are tough all around. We’re watching unemployment grow while our 401(k)’s shrink. We’ve got a temporary respite from insanely high gas prices, but can’t trust they won’t shoot up again. Most of us aren’t economists or financiers, so we don’t know which way to turn with what little investments we have left. We’re angry about the bailout. We feel betrayed by our government.

Red state, blue state, Democrat, Republican, right, left. Doesn’t matter. Set aside the labels for a few minutes. We need to think about what is best for our country.

Do you have a job? Is there someone higher up in the company – preferably the owner, if it’s a small business – that you trust? Someone who won’t pull any punches or sugarcoat issues? If so, count your blessings, and if you haven’t voted yet, ask for a couple of minutes for a private conversation.

Don’t ask how they’re voting. Don’t mention the election.

Tell them you’re concerned about this economy. Ask them where they see the company in a year or two. You may be reassured that your job is safe. If so, does that mean others aren’t? Ask. If things don’t look good down the road, ask why not.

You trust this person. If they bring up this election, listen.

Imagine millions of other Americans asking the same question of their bosses, and getting the same answer. What does that mean for your family, your community - even the whole country?

Then imagine millions of Americans not asking . . .

If you think everyone should be having this conversation, encourage your friends and family to get the same scoop where they work. We all want what’s best for this country. We all want informed and thoughtful voters, don’t we?

Lawyers are taught to never ask a question unless you already know the answer. I’m not a lawyer, and I didn’t even stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night, but I think I know how a lot of those conversations will go – if they happen.

As promised, I didn't mention any candidate by name.