By GottaLaff
As is traditional, our first wish is for even more wishes to come true. We also wish for:One of my fervent wishes is for more truth and less sensationalism/propaganda on the Tee Vee Machine. In other words, real news reporting that educates the public in order to nourish democracy. No more dumbing down, no more tabloid infotainment.
* Global warming deniers to have a banner year as the Arctic ice pack returns to its normal size. Unfortunately, we're not holding our breath on this one.
* The U.S. Senate to pass a climate bill that puts a price on carbon emissions, a critical step in preventing a catastrophic rise in global temperatures. [...]
* Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. (Another hardy perennial.) [...]
* A better response from banks to the relentless rise in mortgage defaults. Although the nature of the problem has shifted from poorly underwritten loans to high unemployment, the result hasn't changed: Too many homes are going into foreclosure. [...]
* Congress to close the "gun-show loophole," which allows sales of used guns without federal background checks. [...]
* The closure of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay.
* An end to "don't ask, don't tell." [...]
* A unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to enter the 20th century (that's right) and allow its arguments to be televised.
* Erstwhile Vice President Dick Cheney to return to a secure, remote location.
* Advancements in battery technology that would make electric cars a viable alternative to the internal combustion engine. [...]
* A reality show in which contestants compete to expand their knowledge rather than reduce their waistlines. Call it "The Biggest Reader." [...]
* Passage of a comprehensive healthcare reform bill that slows the increase in costs, sharply reduces the number of uninsured and improves the quality of care. [...]
* A spike in newspaper circulation.
Happy New Year, everyone!
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