Grateful for 2007 progress

(Canyon County Democrats)

Ho! Ho! Ho!

            I don’t know if everyone’s aware of it, but 2007 has bestowed many presents in advance of the holiday season.  As a citizen—with a decided leftward leaning—I enjoy counting those that have brought particular delight.

            The understanding of global warming is growing and, with it, the promise of shared purpose and increased inventiveness.  (We are not too helpless, too over-confident—or too stupid—to survive and prevail.)

According to Paul Hawken' estimates (and the fund appeals in my mailbox), the number of grass-roots organizations defending human rights and the environment is nearing one million.  Apathy is in retreat.

People in the Boise Valley are talking commuter rail.  Systems in Portland and Salt Lake City are running near capacity, and Boise is paying attention.

“Progressive” is making inroads on the term “liberal.”  Soon millions will have less reason to get confused when right-wingers endorse a “liberal foreign policy” (most progressives don’t).  And, if my wish gets granted, the confusion between left-wing political stands and liberal personal morals will vanish.

Major presidential candidates in both parties have health care plans—not all are great, but everyone recognizes the problem must be faced.   

Social entrepreneurs are succeeding in bringing solar panels and cell phones to people all over the world who are “off the grid.”

All that lead in toys was discovered early enough that most parents won't have to explain to their kids why they must toss out the toys that Santa brought.  (Wonder if someone will market lead-testing kits as a game with points and all….)

The minimum wage increase promises a better life for the hard-working base of our economy.

At least for the time being, unemployment rates remain low.

The return of low-cost education loans puts college within reach of more students.

New ways of giving human cells the properties of stem cells are broadening research possibilities. 

                                This year’s best gift

And last week major elements of the American government stepped back from unilateral action against Iran, a gift of peace that honors the Prince of Peace. 

Eighteen U.S. intelligence agencies (I can name maybe five) report that Iran discontinued its nuclear weapons program four years ago.  Word is that people actually on the ground in Iran were able to infiltrate, talk with participants and get their hands on records. 

 Iran has a long history of education and secularism.  When Moslem extremists replaced the Shah and demanded that women be completely robed in public, public protests made them back down.

The victory for women lasted until Iraq attacked Iran in 1980.  With their country threatened, people saw women’s rights as a small sacrifice for the good of all.  After the war, government control waned, only to reassert itself after U.S. threats.    

Without outside threats, Iran's educated, secular populace will push again for reforms.