Reasons to be cheerful, 2015 edition

It can be easy in light of the vile words and actions of Donald Trump and his supporters (and other republican candidates), or the never ending strength of the NRA, or another disappointing decision concerning murder by police officers in Cleveland, or another senseless killing by police in Chicago, or the constant stream of hatred directed toward Muslims, or the continued influence of money in our political system, among many, many others to remember that we Liberals had a pretty good year in 2015.

   To wit:

• We have three solid candidates to offer the American people for the Presidency of the United States in 2016--which is three more than republicans have.
• Minimum wage increases were passed from Los Angeles to Rhode Island to New York--with wages as high as $15.00.  There's still work to do, but it's a solid start.
• A treaty was passed with Iran that in the long run will make the Middle East--and America--safer.
• Relations with Cuba were normalized after more than fifty years of poisoned and pointless policy that accomplished absolutely nothing other than securing Cuban-American votes for republicans in Florida.
• Marriage equality is the law of the land--let me repeat that:  Marriage equality is the law of the land.
• Obamacare broke records again this year for sign-ups and the number of Americans without health insurance is at all-time lows.
• A climate accord was reached in Paris that, while imperfect, is nonetheless once again a good start for the good guys.
• Bernie Sanders--a Democratic Socialist?  Who'd have ever thought he'd run such a strong campaign?  And, yeah, it's a long shot he'll win, but it's the best shot the left wing of our party has ever had.

Onward in 2016!

Happy New Year,
emaycee