#HappyNewYear!! :-)

Hey Everyone!! :-)

Happy New Years! :-)  It's that time again, which means it's time for another one of my status check-ins. ;-) First of all, congratulations to everyone, if you're reading this it means you survived another trip around the sun. And considering what's been happening, that's no small achievement! Now, down to business.

I wish I could say that this past year was all sweetness and light, but that would be a lie. There were some good elements, no question. The Democrats took back the House and they'll all be taking their seats later this month, which means there will at least be a brake on the worst impulses of our Tangerine Study in Moral Turpitude. But, unfortunately, the Democrats lost seats in the Senate, which means the Republicans will continue to do their best to dismantle the judiciary and turn the Judicial branch of the government into a flawless representation of the corporately-owned Christian Taliban. So, some battles won, some lost, and many more left to fight. But, on the list of positives, a significant list of strong progressive candidates will be taking their seats in the House later this month, so hopefully we'll see some noteworthy shaking up of the establishment there.

And another thing this year proved is that the progressive base is fired up and ready for action. So, hopefully, with the leadership of those progressives we elected, we'll be able to keep that momentum going and take to the streets in grassroots support of progressive legislation. Because without that pressure from below, no matter how hard those representatives fight, they won't be able to dent the wall of establishment obstruction they'll be up against. But, together, we can knock that wall down and bring those establishment sell-outs to heel. Because it's long past time our government started working for the interests of The People, rather than the interests of the oligarchs.

So, towards that end, I sincerely hope we will all stay strong, defiant, and determined, and that we'll all be around to toast each others' triumphs this time next year. To another year of overcoming adversity, progress, and positive change, and may we all have the strength and wisdom to stand against the storm of whatever life throws our way and emerge victorious on the other side. And, as always, remember, non illegitimi carborundum! ;-)

Peace!