Mid Year Check Up

I made some predictions for 2008.  Having passed mid year, it seems like a good point to see where I’m at. 

1. The dominant issue for 2008 will be the economy.  Parts of the country are presently in recession.  Whether the country as a whole joins in a recession is another question.
   The other question appears to have been answered in the affirmative.  Some have already called a national recession using U-6. 
2. Decoupling theory proves false as Europe and Asia follow the U.S. in a downturn.
   This appears to be the case as China’s stock market has swam dived along with European indices.
3. Gas peaks at $3.50 gal in WI.  This would place oil prices 41 cents higher than they are presently.  This peak is not retraced for several years as world wide demand wanes due to recession.
   This has proved incorrect.  We were at $4.05 at peak if I remember, and we are now “down” to $3.75.  This prediction is one that I’m thinking is thoroughly wrong though.  Consumer markets are holding up in India and China, and we may just be at the beginning of a 10 or 15 year commodities secular bull market.  I’m afraid this drop may be more of a blip than a pause.
4. The USCCB is relatively quiet about the election signaling dissatisfaction with both party’s choices.
   I’m not sure how I would measure this in retrospect. 
5. The Green Bay diocese remains vacant.
   This has proven wrong.
6. The bishops in the US will be ignored as they plead for our country’s leaders to address the problems of undocumented workers.  Secular alarm over illegal immigration will grow even though immigration will slow significantly due to the recession.
   I haven’t seen much evidence for either proposition.  Having nominated McCain, the Republican Party has seemed to make their choice on this matter, leaving restrictionists without a political outlet.  Some of the ICE raids across the country could be used as a confirming interpretation.
7. American Idol will have its weakest season ever.
   Indeed.  Who won again?
8. Tatoos will lose their popularity with women, becoming conventually known as stupid things done when one was young.
   I haven’t found confirmation yet.  I sure see a lot of them though.