Abstract-Expressionist Painting Philosophy

Because you expect it…because you asked; here are my predictions for 2008 and beyond:

Energy prices are a concern and will have additional unanticipated impact on the economy. Prices will continue a roller coaster ride but will not go as high as some predict despite additional conflict that we are going to start in the middle east.

Unemployment will rise, as will inflation. This will stir fears of recession among some, and the administration may actually admit to problems…but only to push their pet solution. The proposed solution will be the same as always; tax cuts. It won’t work and the wrong people will get blamed. As usual. …And since working-class families have been living with a declining economy for almost a decade, things won’t seem all that different for them.

More economic news: Some things we’ve gotten used to buying cheap will suddenly and unexpectedly become quite expensive, catching many off guard. This is not really related to energy prices. Many will have to adjust their lifestyles toward fewer consumer goods. The chickens are coming home to roost and each change causes another spiral.

There will be a surprise announcement regarding Iraq in the summer or fall of 2008. This will change the minds of many.

Unreasoned fear will continue to dominate American politics, despite a “new hope.” Manipulation of public perception has completely replaced all core values among the power elites, and we’re all going to pay for this lack of true vision.

A new high-tech “non-lethal” weapon will be use for the first time in 2008 - perhaps on American citizens. This will cause a few will finally to believe that their government is out of control, but the majority will continue their narcissism-induced coma.

More natural disasters will cause the usual band of shameless manipulators to claim that it is the end of the world and “God’s Judgment.” As in the past, they will continue to be wrong.

A major corporation will file for bankruptcy, causing brief stock market panic. This will be dramatic but short term. However, volatility will increase in general, and there will be some declines.

There will be increased terrorism activity or many alerts of alleged terrorist activities in the latter months of 2008.

Another tainted food episode will cause a few people to wonder if the whole “small government/industry should regulate itself” mantra was such a good idea after all, but nothing will actually be done about it.

A young media personality will die unexpectedly. This will receive more attention than America’s declining status in the world.

Let’s take a look at what we can expect in the future….

This is the beginning of a transitional period; increased instability and uncertainty as the birth pangs of a new way of life. Much of this will be perceptual rather than actual.

Investigations! Hearings! Lots of political crap for the coming year, but absolutely NOTHING will come of any of it. This is not a judgment about the truth or fallacy of any accusation of impropriety but more a statement about the vulgar and calculated tactics - and the cowardice - of those who hold elected office.

Politics will be at center stage all year; first for the hearings, later for politics. And in the area of politics, we will expect some major surprises for those seeking the presidency and for those who already hold office.

The war/occupation in Iraq will continue to drag on with even more soldiers sent and increasing frustration among the American public. Toward the end of the year, things may seem to improve a little. Threats to end it all will amount to nothing.

Wars and rumors of wars… the drumbeat for new invasions, attacks will increase. New straw men, new scare stories. It’s all in the cards.

Expect another panic cry of epidemic this year. Bird Flu may be the culprit but nothing will come of it.

Increasing signs of instability in the American economy - including a declining dollar - will not stop the stock market from having a record year.

Industrial accidents will have a banner year, causing some people to notice that the government no longer does much of anything to protect workers. There will be deaths, there will be talks of reform. Nothing will be done.

US prison populations will reach crushing levels. Already America imprisons more people than any other country but this year the crisis will cripple state budgets.

Wildfires and forest fires due to drought will be the chief disasters of the year. Some will jump on this to call attention to global climate change while others will dismiss it as just coincidence.

Corruption in government will be highlighted, and some may go to prison. The big boys will stay safe for the most part. However, expect some sudden departures from office both in the USA and abroad, like rats deserting a sinking ship.

Steroid and other drug use in professional sports will become a topic for the handwringing folk. This is more about perception than reality. Nevertheless, the public will demand a human sacrifice so some athletes may go to jail.

Expect some terrorist scares - but actual attacks are unlikely, or at least, nothing big. They will be more useful another time…

Tainted food, contaminated medicine… Americans will learn that they can’t trust anything anymore. But shutting their eyes will be so much easier.

Finally, I’m concerned about an assassination attempt in the latter part of the year. I don’t think anything will come of it, but this is another sign of worldwide political upheaval.