We at Daily Kos often become overwhelmed with the immediate: the next congressional vote, the next Supreme Court decision, the next election.
But every once in a while, we need to look at the big picture, at where we want our country to be, where it could be, or where we fear it will be in the not-so-distant future.
I am not talking about "predictions", but about our deepest thoughts, fears, wishes and goals. Where do we believe America (and the world) will be 20 years from today, July 9, 2006?
I have chosen to view the glass as a quarter full rather than three quarters empty. I believe it's not too late to move this country in a sane and progressive direction. My thoughts are below. Please add your own (be creative!).
July 9, 2026-
I am here in America, but it is a completely transformed country.
In 2006, voters swept the House and Senate clean of numerous Republicans. The Democrats gained 4 senate seats and 25 house seats, taking the lower chamber. Following the Democratic House takeover, investigations revealed even more crimes of Bush, Cheney & Co. While neither was impeached (largely because they were already lame ducks), the truth coming out greatly damaged the Republican Party, setting in motion the Democratic triumphs of 2008 and 2010.
In 2008, the tandem of Al Gore (yes he did run) and Barack Obama trounced the Republican line-up of Chuck Hagel and Kay Bailey Hutchinson. Meanwhile, the Democrats gained 5 senate seats and 18 House seats, convincingly taking both chambers.
Two years later, the Democrats picked up 5 more senate seats and 11 more House seats, cementing a majority of both which they continued to hold on July 9, 2026.
After two Gore terms and two Obama terms, America is a very different country.
There is some of what you might expect: universal healthcare (along the Canadian system) was instituted in 2011. The poverty rate is down to 7% (and an even lower 5% among youth thanks to Gore's "Child Poverty Destruction Act" of 2010). Unemployment is at 4%, but with President Obama's comprehensive job training act, a lost job can bring the opportunity to gain new skills.
Democrats control 33 of 52 state governorships (Puerto Rico (2015) and Washington D.C. (2017) have joined the Union). Republicans hold just 11 governships, with the rest being held by the Green Party (3 states) and independents (5 states).
There are also a few political surprises. Among is the growing youth rights movement, led by teenagers demanding the same political and civil rights as adults. After the United Kingdom lowered its voting age to 16 in 2009, other countries followed suit. The United States finally capitulated with the ratification of the 28th Amendment in 2017. But the youth rights movement continues to grow, with organizations like the National Youth Rights Association claiming millions of members, and actively working with legislators to craft youth-friendly legislation.
So what else is going on?
In entertainment, Star Wars is back. George Lucas, now in his 80's, released Episode 7 in 2020, after the mega-successful Star Wars tv series had completed its 10 year run.
In technology, the video store has ceased to exist, as anyone with a hand-held PDA can download a practically unlimited library of films, tv shows and internet videos to watch almost anywhere.
Lastly, 2025 brought AT LAST the Chicago Cubs' first world series triumph since 1908. The Cubs were led by a 19 year old rookie female pitcher, whose middle-name is Wrigley! The Cubs trounced Mexico City 4 games to 1, with Wrigley taking the MVP award.
There you have it, a little seriousness and a little fun. I hope all of you can add to this discussion!