The Dower Power Hour

Well, here we are in 2008. Instead of doing a New Year’s Resolution for myself, this year I think I am going to make resolutions for the planet as a whole. Since I never keep my personal resolutions, despite my best intentions, I might as well throw my support to broader issues. Therefore, my 2008 New Year’s Resolutions are as follows:

• To see North Korea give up its WMD program(s) and pursue strictly peaceful nuclear ambitions, and preferably none what-so-ever.
• To have Iran back down from its aggressive rhetoric, continue to disavow nuclear ambitions, and cut all support to the Iraqi insurgents.
• To watch pressure for democratic reform within China continue to mount as the educated and growing middle class realizes that wealth is not enough to keep them content.
• To witness the slow but steady withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, replaced by nationalist security forces with genuine loyalties to the democratic government rather than their own local and religious leaders.
• To enjoy the political decline of the Chavez government and the continued rejection of his undemocratic, radical socialist reforms by the populace.
• To end the genocide in Darfur, without the need for unilateral action from any western country.
• To see Afghanistan and Pakistan return to a stable, democratic status quo with the defeat (or at least prolonged retreat) of the Taliban and other militant religious forces.
• And finally, to see someone with common sense, intelligent advisers, and a progressive agenda in the White House. (Personally, I’d prefer Obama or Hillary but McCain would also be acceptable if it’s going to be a Republican.)