As most of y’all have figured out by now, I am not, by nature, a cheerful sort.  But it being That Time of Year when everyone and their dog is making up lists of The Best, Worst, Blah-Blah-Blah of 2007, I thought, why the heck not get in on some of that action?

But, as I am in touch with the great powers of the universe, instead of looking back, I’d like to make my predictions for 2008.  I’m certain I will do just as well as any other real psychic.

In 2008, all the school boards across the US will simultaneously decide that creation “science” isn’t, and will boot all references to it from classroom text books.  They will also remember that one of the most basic tenets of our democracy is the separation of church and state and will start teaching that in school. But they won’t ignore the historical significance of religion, and will teach how it has affected our world — both for good and ill.  

In 2008, Americans in droves will voluntarily give up their gas guzzlers for more fuel-efficient vehicles.  They will also pressure the government to support real energy reform, not just crony giveaways to develop ethanol.

In 2008, Americans will demand that oversight in government be reinstated.  Democrats and Republicans will drop their petty bickering and unite to clean up government, realizing, at last, that everyone loses when the government is run like a banana republic.

In 2008, members of all faiths will conclude that wearing their religion on their sleeves is distasteful at best and they will decide that their faith is strong enough to survive in the world without forcing everyone else in the world to be just like them.

In 2008, we will never have to hear another word about Britney, Lindsay, Pamela, Tom, John, or any of the pantheon of celebrities whose misdeeds seem to fascinate us so.

In 2008, I’m going to get the damn filing in the office done. It’s only two years behind, but I can catch up!

But the one thing I’m absolutely certain of for 2008 is that it’s the last year Dubya will be in office. 

If you have nothing else to make you happy this New Year’s Eve, hold that magical thought tight to your breast.  In a little over 12 months, that rough beast will be gone.  Though, sadly, his “legacy” will no doubt haunt all of us for years, if not decades, to come.

Anyway, my wish is that you all have prosperity, peace, and happiness in the coming New Year.  And if you don’t have any of that, I wish that you all will have hope.

Happy New Year!