This is Floyd Wynne with THE VIEW FROM HERE

This is Floyd Wynne with THE VIEW FROM HERE.

The new year of 2007 is just days away.

Tuesday we talked of the economic picture locally so today let’s take a look at the state and national picture for the coming year.

On the State scene the Democrats are in control of state affairs in both the Legislature and the Governor’s chair.

The general public is sick and tired of political infighting and is looking to both Salem and Washington, D.C. for some action on the existing problems.

Statewide the budget is going to be bigger. Indications are that some 200 million more is available than projected. Hopefully those extra funds will find their way into such things as more state patrol officers, the opening of the new prison that currently stands empty. Unfortunately there are few lobbyists for these causes, and a liberal governor has already indicated that his desires lie in the health care field. In the past he has sided pretty much with the environmentalists so little help can be expected from that quarter on the use of our forests and other environmental issues.

He has indicated earlier that he would be involved in the question of the use of the waters of Upper Klamath Lake and the Klamath River. This will be the giant problem facing this area in the coming year.

On the national scene...the big question is still Iraq. The President is studying a future courses of action there. I look for him to put more troops in a reserve position, possibly Kuwait, where they would readily be available, and that the Iraqi government will be called upon to take charge of their own country in the very near future.

He will be facing a Democratic Congress intent on developing liberal programs and equally intent on eliminating some of the current tax breaks as well as launching new programs offering national health care. These will cost more money.,...but the oil industry and other big businesses are in their sites for increased taxation.

The Democrats know that they really have two years to implement their programs or face a rejection not only in their 2008 Congressional hopes, but also in their hope to gain the Presidency.

While President Bush will cooperate with some of their proposals, in the end he has the veto power….and the Democrats may find it difficult to get two-thirds to override those vetos.

One thing is certain on the national scene….we will continue to see the President vilified by most of the national media. If he uses his veto power they will vilify him as the one blocking progress.

On the other hand there is no question but that Iraq must stand or fall in the coming year. The issues of Iran and North Korea will continue to fester although some middle east problems might be resolved.

At any rate….that’s the way 2007 looks to this old commentator.

This is Floyd Wynne and that’s THE VIEW FROM HERE.

Text Box:
This is Floyd Wynne with THE VIEW FROM HERE.

The new year of 2007 is just days away.
              Tuesday we talked of the economic picture locally so today let’s take a look at the state and national picture for the coming year.
              On the State scene the Democrats are in control of state affairs in both the Legislature and the Governor’s chair.
              The general public is sick and tired of political infighting and is looking to both Salem and Washington, D.C. for some action on the existing problems.
Statewide the budget is going to be bigger. Indications are that some 200 million more is available than projected. Hopefully those extra funds will find their way into such things as more state patrol officers, the opening of the new prison that currently stands empty. Unfortunately there are few lobbyists for these causes, and a liberal governor has already indicated that his desires lie in the health care field. In the past he has sided pretty much with the environmentalists so little help can be expected from that quarter on the use of our forests and other environmental issues.
He has indicated earlier that he would be involved in the question of the use of the waters of Upper Klamath Lake and the Klamath River. This will be the giant problem facing this area in the coming year.
On the national scene...the big question is still Iraq. The President is studying a future courses of action there. I look for him to put more troops in a reserve position, possibly Kuwait, where they would readily be available, and that the Iraqi government will be called upon to take charge of their own country in the very near future.
He will be facing a Democratic Congress intent on developing liberal programs and equally intent on eliminating some of the current tax breaks as well as launching new programs offering national health care. These will cost more money.,...but the oil industry and other big businesses are in their sites for increased taxation.

              The Democrats know that they really have two years to implement their programs or face a rejection not only in their 2008 Congressional hopes, but also in their hope to gain the Presidency.
              While President Bush will cooperate with some of their proposals, in the end he has the veto power….and the Democrats may find it difficult to get two-thirds to override those vetos.
              One thing is certain on the national scene….we will continue to see the President vilified by most of the national media. If he uses his veto power they will vilify him as the one blocking progress.
On the other hand there is no question but that Iraq must stand or fall in the coming year. The issues of Iran and North Korea will continue to fester although some middle east problems might be resolved.
At any rate….that’s the way 2007 looks to this old commentator.
This is Floyd Wynne and that’s THE VIEW FROM HERE.