Well it’s been a while but it’s nice to see a changing of the guard in the halls of Congress. For the first time in 12 years we have a Democratic majority, and here’s hoping that some much needed oversight will stop certain individuals from running roughshod over the Constitution, and the will of the people.

Also of note we have the first woman Speaker of the House, Congress woman Nancy Pelosi from the fine state of California and the even finer district of San Francisco. You go girl!

But I know many of you are fed up with our government, every politician a crook or worse, and feel the change in leadership will have no impact, no negligible effect. I ask them to keep in open mind, hold out a little hope. We’ve had six plus years of unilateral control, in an environment suppressive of alternate ideas. Now the Democrats have the majority, and a voice, and a tremendous opportunity to do some good. But despite their best efforts or good intentions, much of that could quickly be crushed by the weight of the Iraq war. Or if they buckle beneath the business-as-usual attitude, the results will be the same.

But I’m hopeful. Change is good. Anything is better then what we have now, and I think many would agree. But what will it take to make our country a better and safer place? Here are the issues I would like to see addressed with meaningful progress made or even laws passed (in no particular order):

• Immigration Reform
• Stem Cell Funding
• Job Outsourcing
• Lobby Reform
• Minimum Wage
• Climate Change
• 9/11 Commission Recommendations
• ISG Recommendations
• Prescription Drug Reform
• Healthcare Reform
• Manhattan-Style Project for Alternative Fuels
• Balanced Budget

It’s a long and meaty list, but it’s hardly complete. I’d like to hear what you think they should focus on. You’ll notice I left off gay marriage and impeachment off the list.

Gay marriage would be great, but won’t contribute to the survival of this nation, and nor do I think the electorate is ready to have it crammed down their throats. I think the gay marriage debate came too early and set it back — civil unions with equal rights first, and then gay marriage. But that’s just me.

As for impeachment, as much as I yearn for it, its all-consuming nature would lay waste to many of the issues that need to be addressed. We’ve been dug a pretty deep hole, do we need to dig any further? But if initial investigations reveal the tastiest of fruit and the will of the people demand it? Who am I to argue?

But let me be the first to say this. If little or no progress is made on any of these fronts, then they all need to be thrown out, every single one of them, by force if necessary. Like the Beatles said, sometimes you need a Revolution. Do you think I’m kidding?

Anyways, look for more changes soon! New design and more posts over the next few weeks so stay tuned!