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Right now economics are personal

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 1, 2008

As a lipstick sunset painted the hills of the Piedmont, Joyce Tyree sold tickets to the junior varsity football game at Eastern View High School in Culpepper, Va.

Seventy miles away in the White House, President Bush was readying his somber, prime-time address on the economy. Bush wants Tyree and taxpayers everywhere to bail out Wall Street to the tune of $700 billion.

I'd driven to Culpeper to see how the bailout and the presidential election were playing on Main Street. To say that people here are skeptical is an understatement.

"I think the bailout is necessary," said Tyree, a teacher for 21 years. "But do I think I need to foot the bill for it? No. I've got my own economy to worry about."

Like other Culpeper County teachers, Tyree received no pay raise this year. Her health insurance premiums jumped $1,000. Not that she's complaining. She's single, loves her job and the students. She feels lucky she has insurance and that her mortgage has a decent, fixed rate. Her commute is only six miles.

Tyree hasn't decided for whom to vote. The teachers unions have endorsed Democrat Barack Obama. Tyree wants to know more about his plans. She doesn't like McCain's school voucher plan and thinks his running mate is inexperienced.

On Main Street, Hugh Antram keeps the doors open at his computer repair business 76 hours a week. He faces stiff competition from the "big box" stores.
Antram used to hire help but now can't afford it. A sign behind the counter reads, "Virginia gun owners, with concealed handgun permits, are welcome here. Criminals, please leave your guns in your vehicle."
Antram usually votes Republican. But this year, he's not sure. The economy has him worried. His wife, a school nurse, wants him to vote for Obama.

The bailout? "It's the biggest disaster that ever happened, and either way, it's going to get worse," Antram said.

At the football game, old friends Steve Jenkins and Raymond Kirkley watched from the sidelines. Jenkins, a white, conservative Republican who is on city council, is voting for McCain. Democrat Kirkley, who's black and works as a mechanic, is for Obama.

"As long as my kids are OK, I'm OK," said Kirkley.

He'd like Obama to win, but Kirkley said the economy is in such trouble, he knows the next president won't be able to change anything overnight.

"That's the way life is now," he said.

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