I first posted this in October, 2006. You historians, check and see how right (or wrong) I was.
Like most prognosticators, I usually reserve my predictions column until
the end of the year. But I don’t see any point in waiting because,
frankly, I’m usually wrong.
I sure hope I’m wrong this time.
I
say that because we’re in for a recession, most likely a worldwide one,
the worst since the early 1980’s. I can’t tell you exactly when it will
start, but batten down the hatches, ‘cause it’s coming.
(I was, sadly, right on this one: the Great Recession hit about a year later.)
One indicator of an economic downturn is when automakers start tightening
their belts. As usual, America’s automakers were far behind the times,
continuing to turn out big ol’ SUV’s when the high gas price writing was
on the “holy cow! We can’t afford this” wall. There may be a rally in
the used car market, as people trade for cars that could fit in the
trunks of their old vehicles, but the gas-sucking gravy train is over.
Where the consumers go, the automakers go. Where the automakers go, the
parts suppliers go. Where the parts suppliers go – well, we’re all going
to heck in a hand basket, if we can afford one.
Meanwhile, back
at the ranch house, the housing boom bubble is bursting as we speak. A
lot of people have been making their living in the construction
industry, but, like an overdose of Ex-Lax, it’s an artificial movement
that can’t be sustained forever.
Add the two together, and the
economy is going to dump like … well, see above about Ex-Lax. That’s one
reason why I’m making my predictions now: I have an uneasy feeling all
this will be obvious by early 2007.
(Was it? I don't remember.)
Here’s how the rest of the decade and beyond will go:
November,
2006: The Democrats take control of both houses of Congress in
not-very-close elections. For the next two years G.W. Bush uses his veto
power more than in the entire previous six years of his presidency.
Except for the ongoing attempts to impeach Bush, the government grinds
to a halt. No one notices.
Attempts are made by Congress to
impeach every future president until 2042, when President Jenna Bush-Clinton successfully pushes through an amendment to the Constitution that
punishes “frivolous impeachment” with ... impeachment.
February, 2007: Riots break out in Wal-Marts when employees begin putting up Christmas, 2007 merchandise displays.
May,
2007: The 2008 presidential campaign begins in earnest. By the end of
the year there are 26 Democrat candidates, 19 Republican candidates, 78
independent candidates, and Ralph Nader.
August, 2007: Ford
declares bankruptcy, beginning a long legal battle that culminates in a
government bail-out. By 2011 Ford is solvent again, and making a profit
off hybrid electric cars they’ve had the technology for since 1989. They don't repay the taxpayers.
(I may have been a bit off on this one.)
Spring,
2008: As the primary season begins, the mainstream media makes a
concentrated effort to uncover every single bad thing every Republican
candidate ever did, from childbirth. Fighting back, bloggers and Midwest talk show hosts
begin a similar investigation of all Democratic candidates.
In response, by July, 2008, all
presidential candidates drop out of the race. Ralph Nader declares
himself provisional leader and attempts to move into the White House,
but is driven off by a cigar-wielding Rush Limbaugh. A grass roots
campaign begins to draft Colin Powell, but he flees the country.
November, 2008:
Moderate voters stay away from the polls in droves, but of the 15% who
do vote, most vote for the Democratic candidate. The Democrats declare
they’ve been given a mandate by America to make changes, which they
proceed to not make. Colin Powell returns from his “vacation” in
Australia.
Early 2009: Bio-fuels have become so successful in
North America that foreign oil imports actually fall. Certain countries
get very nervous.
October, 2010: The Cubs lose the World Series when a playback review reveals their winning runner forgot to touch third base.
Summer,
2011: The recovering economy takes a hit when bad weather across the
country ruins crops. For the first time, people wonder what will happen
if all that bio-fuel has to go back to making food.
September, 2011: New Orleans sinks. Ex-mayor Nagin stages a protest in front of ex-President Bush’s ranch.
January, 2012: Food riots break out – there’s enough to supply everyone, but not enough bio-diesel to get the food to market.
November,
2012: The President is reelected in a squeaker, thanks in part to the
first Hispanic Vice-Presidential candidate. Recounts are necessary in
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the new state of West Michigan.
(How did I not mention Florida?)
July, 2014: The first coal fueled, steam powered car goes
online. Everyone proclaims it the most original thing they’ve ever
seen.
Print this out, people. Wait and see.
I
predict you can find our books at some of these places:
· Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0058CL6OO
· Barnes
& Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/"Mark
R Hunter"
· Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4898846.Mark_R_Hunter
· Blog: https://markrhunter.blogspot.com/
· Website: http://www.markrhunter.com/
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozma914/
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkRHunter914
· Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrhunter/
· Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkRHunter
· Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRHunter
· Substack: https://substack.com/@markrhunter
· Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/ozma914
· Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ozma914
· Audible: https://www.audible.com/search?searchAuthor=Mark+R.+Hunter&ref_pageloadid=4C1TS2KZGoOjloaJ&pf
Remember: Reading is much more
fun than worrying about the future.
