Happy New Year

WINNERS AND LOSERS OF 2017

2018 PROMISES TO BE AN EVENTFUL YEAR

2017 has been a unique and interesting year to say the least. Many changes have occurred that will set the direction of the world for the future. Some for the better and some not. Only when we look back years later will it be a true test.

I am going to start out with the losers for 2017.

1. The ISIS caliphate, which is no more. A combined effort by Iraq, the Kurd's, Syria, Iran the USA and Russia made pretty quick work of the terrorists that actually held territory. Those that stood and fought have not only been beaten but eliminated. While terrorists are still around, they no longer have a stable base to expand and support their efforts. The war on terrorists will continue in 2018.

2. The established media in the USA has been damaged greatly. Their inability to control their emotional response to a Trump presidency has caused them to lose credibility with a large part of the american electorate. It will not be restored without a concerted effort by those at the top of these companies. Since it seems the top has encouraged this partisanship it will likely continue and possibly increase in the coming year.

3. The movement to demonize the white population and blame them for all the ills of our society for political purposes has been overplayed and exposed. Those who want to blame race relations for all the counties ills, better find another option.

4. The NFL has set the example of a poor job of how to keep partisan politics out of entertainment. The message should be heeded by others in the entertainment business. 

5. Women and men in the workplace, it will now become a strict, business only environment without personal interaction or socializing. The standards will be set by and enforced by litigation fearing employers.

6. The FBI, the premier law enforcement organization in the country has been badly damaged by partisan politics. The politicization of the country's agencies that reached its zenith in the Obama years has taken a toll on all government credibility. Their needs to be reform to weed out those who would use their power for partisan politics. It should start with the FBI, but needs to be addressed everywhere it is found. This should be led and encouraged by the good patriotic government employees themselves.

Of course there are more but I will try to keep it to 6.

Winners of 2017.

1. American business, with relaxing of onerous regulation and an increase of optimism the economy seems to have begun a recovery in 2017. Euphoria in the stock market, recovery of real estate and an increase in growth has increased the hope for prosperity. With the passing of tax reform, it should continue to grow and prosper in the year ahead.

2. American workers, with the increase in the competitive ability of american business it should lead to more opportunities for american workers to have an increase in opportunity and wages in 2018.

3. Women in the workplace. With the focus on abuses of women by people in power it may make the workplace a more favorable place for women in the future. If the focus of the movement is on change, and is not taken over by vindictive extremist feminists it could be a positive for all women. If it become a war between men and women everyone will be a loser.

4. Israel, for the first time in its history,  is developing a relationship with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. They may be recognizing that cooperation is essential to counter Iran and also for the future prosperity of the region.

5. Efficient low tax states, they have prospered by attracting new business and residents to their states. This trend will likely continue and accelerate in the new year. 

Of course there were more winners and losers, but I believe these will see a lasting impact on the future.