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 Editorials | Issues | January 2007 
What's In the Cards for 2007?
 Anita Manning - USA TODAY
| | Fireworks light up the skyline over Puerto Vallarta's Hotel Zone. (Photo by Max Von/PVNN) |
The new year promises an end to political divisiveness, a new shift toward cultural civility and a shoring up of America's image abroad, one prognosticator believes.
But the news isn't all good. In the latest issue of his Trends Journal, forecaster Gerald Celente predicts economic troubles in the year ahead. Celente's trends of 2007:
• Chinamerica. China is invigorated with a sense of entrepreneurship that is supported by its government, Celente says, while in the USA, such a spirit is on the decline. "America owned the 20th century," he writes, "but it won't own the 21st."
• Medical tourism. American consumers will be "globetrotting to find the best prices for the best medical care," seeking out overseas doctors to perform procedures not readily available or not covered by insurance. Celente calls this "medical outsourcing."
• Recession. Celente says the USA is "sliding into a long-term economic downtrend," influenced by high consumer debt and low incomes. Sectors that will be hit, he says, include retailing and restaurants.
• Shrinking middle class. The rich are getting super-rich, he says, while the average worker is working longer, commuting farther and bringing home less.
• Old-school cool. There is a discontent with the values of politics and pop culture, and the level of entertainment, fashion and food will make the good old days look even better. Consumers of all ages will demand higher quality.
• Internet politics. Starting in 2007, the presidential campaign will heat up on the Internet, offering choices to voters outside the traditional political parties. "The Internet candidate who motivates some 50 percent of the Internet generation to go to the polls could win the White House," Celente says.
• Technotribalism. Thanks to the Internet, people who share ideals and values will form associations and bonds that transcend borders, religions and political ideologies.
• Reunited States. Americans are tired of political rhetoric and will go for civility and healing in political discussions. Unless there is another terrorist attack, in which case "fear will again dominate the nation's psyche, sides will be taken and polarization will intensify."
• The not-so-ugly American. After a period in which Americans have been considered rude, arrogant, overweight and not all that bright, there will be a "global warming" trend toward the USA, which is respected for "what the country stands for and the opportunities it presents." |
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