It is now 2010. The Democrats are in power nationally and at state and local levels. But all is not going well. U.S. troops have left Iraq, leaving increased civil strife behind. Israel has bombed Iran, producing worldwide condemnation and uniting Persians and Arabs against Israel and our U.S. for supporting Israel. Terrorist attacks against Israel and against overseas Americans have greatly increased.
Arabian states have ceased exporting oil to the U.S. Oil production is down in Iraq and Iran, as well as in civil strife-torn Nigeria, while China continues to import more oil. Soaring U.S. gasoline prices have stimulated inflation and recession (stagflation) as our Federal Reserve increases interest rates. Arab countries and others reduce their funding of U.S. debt, forcing our government to further increase interest rates to attract sufficient funding.
As happened earlier with the New Republicans, Democrats have succumbed to campaign contributors. With severe resistance from private health insurers and pharmaceuticals, Democrats failed to pass legislation to provide universal health coverage. With falling revenues and increased welfare costs, Democrats couldn’t pass legislation to significantly reduce our families’ financial vulnerability, nor balance our budget. The hopes of millions of voters remain unfulfilled.
Traditional Republicans like Richard Nixon and Dan Evans regain control of the Republican Party. They continue to rail against big government, but promote compassion at state and local levels. Giving less attention to the religious right and to libertarians, they build a strong support network among small business entrepreneurs whom Democrats have long neglected. They show more support for immigrants and ethnic minorities. They support many conservation measures, even energy independence and reduction of climate warming emissions.
Republicans become more somewhat more liberal, but still strongly oppose major legislation to provide access to quality healthcare, education, jobs, income and retirement. They also oppose regulation of businesses to protect workers, suppliers, consumers, and our general public.
The Conservative political infrastructure remains intact and improves, especially through applying Karl Rove’s strategies and tactics for grass roots mobilization. Democrats continue to fail to identify and mobilize their grass roots supporters. Our most enthusiastic Democrats prefer to use blogs to converse with each other. Republicans remain in control of southern states which are gaining congressional seats and Electoral College votes as our 2010 census certifies population increases there. Through gerrymandering, they will be able to gain still more seats. They are posed to greatly weaken Democratic political control in 1012,
I don’t believe that all of these events will occur. But each of them could. It’s scary.