Another year is gone and 2012 was everything but boring, from the U.S. elections to the European economic meltdown.
However, 2012 left us several challenges to tackle in 2013. Some of these challenges include fallout from the fiscal cliff deal in the States or tax increases proposed in Okanagan cities.
At this time, predictions are everywhere, and like any other self-respecting, sophisticated and know-it-all journalist, I have come up with my 10 most-likely-to-happen predictions for the year that has just started:
1. Okanagan's real estate prices will recover to their 2006 levels. We saw prices boom here in the early 21st century and then drop
later in the decade. In the next year,
people will suddenly
realize how
attractive and stunning Kelowna is and will start buying properties. Bidding wars will break out and prices will rise drastically. The American crisis will have no effect on us at all.
2.After so much hype and propaganda against the B.C. Gateway pipeline, British Columbians will suddenly understand that is in our best interest and embrace it. People will begin writing letters to the editors of local newspapers across the province detailing the benefits of the pipeline and explaining how it will create far less environmental damage than our current trucking system. Enbridge will begin construction as soon as possible, creating thousands
of jobs.
3. Canadians will contain and reject marijuana advocates' arguments. After all, we all know that marijuana is bad for our health. Activists will realize that drinking tea is by far more
enjoyable and better for our health. It also smells nicer.
4. From West Kelowna resident Gloria Taylor's story, we will realize that nature needs no help and nobody should carry the burden of "assisting" another person to commit suicide.
Taylor spent most of her last days in the news highlights, courts and endless hearings instead of spending it with her family or friends.
She focused her time on winning a court case for the "dying with dignity" organization, which promotes "assisted suicide."
Then, ironically, she died naturally, without the need to be "assisted."
5. Twinkies will make a great comeback, with more filling than ever before.
6. Bullying in schools will finally stop, not
because of pink shirt days or teachers' interventions, but because we will empower our kids and teach them how to defend themselves.
7. The Middle East will stabilize, with moderate governments taking over in Arab countries, embracing real freedom and democracy.
The new Egyptian government will respect human rights and the rule of law.
The mullahs in Iran will begin caring and helping their own people instead of pursuing nuclear weapons.
Genuine democracy and freedom will grow in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Libya.
Palestinians will start building their country instead of destroying others.
8. The U.S. and Canada will tackle the real roots of school and other public shootings by teenagers. A new program, including media responsibility, will be implemented. As an alternative of blaming guns or pointing fingers, we will promote decent, vigilant parenting.
9. Aboriginals will realize their chiefs have become a liability and will rise against them. They will drop all demands made to the federal government, will dissolve their reserves and scrap their special status, becoming part of Canadian society, without special favouritism. They will regain their self-respect and self-esteem by ceasing their dependence on government handouts.
10. The last, but the most important, of all my bold predictions that will become reality without doubt, is that the previous nine never will.
Salomon Rayek is a Kelowna resident
and former executive editor of the Jewish Tribune. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .