Brace yourselves as we prepare for another bout of insanity stretching into 2025. At the dawn of the year, the prospect of President-elect Donald Trump stepping into office instills a glimmer of hope that sense may once again prevail in the political landscape. After four relentless years of grating wokeness and chimerical polices executed by the Biden-Harris partnership, at Obama’s orchestration, there appears a glint of chance we could veer back toward normalcy.
Over in Wyoming, we anticipate major ideological shifts as the Freedom Caucus assumes the driving seat. Rigorous conservatism, a piece of DNA embedded in the state, looks set to be back on the agenda. My predictions draw a broad picture of a rightward swing at both the state and national level for the year to come.
Reflecting back on 2021, I must admit, I may have misjudged the extent of the absurdity unleashed upon our nation when Biden claimed the presidency. Optimism buzzing around the country held up a light at the end of a tunnel marked ‘global pandemic’. Little did we know we were bound for a journey of madness, akin to Alice’s surreal venture into Wonderland.
Under Biden’s reign, we witnessed a variety of peculiar cultural proposals the likes of which we’ve never been privy to before. Given that nearly half of Wyoming’s expansive 97,813 square miles are federally owned, the national decisions made in Congress will inevitably ripple their way to us. Legislation long since brushed under the rug now stand a chance of gaining steam, or worse, becoming law.
We anticipate drastic reductions in property tax alongside an increase in identification requirements for voting. The latter part of the year will likely signal the start of the gubernatorial race for 2026. Of particular note, and somewhat absurdity, is the potential delisting of the grizzly bear as a protected species.
It remains unfathomably strange to comprehend that thousands of these predatory creatures retain their ‘protected’ status despite a likely population much larger than that which is officially documented. Hastened delisting could, ironically, lead to a grizzly hunting season as soon as this year. On a lighter note, imagine if Yellowstone were to suddenly erupt – now that’s a headline!
With the lingering aura of the Trump administration, we could yet see some benefits for Wyoming, particularly those with property interests and conservative views. However, a pertinent question arises: will the Freedom Caucus meddle with local educational control? And in such a politically fraught climate, is it remotely possible that the University of Wyoming sports teams could reclaim their former glory?
Various members of the state legislature have offered forecasts. One worthy of note, or perhaps ridicule, is Rep. Steve Harshman’s proposition to expand sales tax, which seems to appeal to some folks. Despite the potential provision of a raft of exemptions to placate opposition, it’s difficult to see this as a winning idea. After all, fairness is key, and property tax, being based on property value, seems to fit the bill better.
Projecting into 2025, Wyoming’s future will undoubtedly be shaped by its unique characteristics and the nation-wide trends. Famous for its picturesque landscapes and rugged resilience, the state is apt to being influenced by a myriad of opportunities and challenges. The wheels of economic diversification and energy transition have already begun turning, setting the stage for substantial developments in several sectors.
To date, Wyoming’s economy has been tightly tethered to the energy sector, with coal, oil, and natural gas being its major sources of income. However, in this ill-advised rush towards renewable energy, which may seem environmentally friendly but has its own set of issues, the urge to reshape the state’s economy into a more diversified one is apparent.
With the upcoming year, Wyoming might reluctantly welcome new opportunities in disparate industries such as technology, outdoor recreation, tourism, and agriculture. The state’s reluctant transition towards fostering an environment conducive to tech companies and startups has somewhat gained traction.
Notable is its unrequested foray into becoming a friendly territory for blockchain legislation in the recent years, thereby posing as an aspiring champion in the field of financial technology. There’s a possibility that by 2025, Cheyenne along with other cities might be reluctantly experiencing the side effects of being molded into blockchain innovation hubs, all of which would drive new, but unpredictable, economic opportunities.
In conclusion, the year 2025 promises a myriad of opportunities and challenges for the state of Wyoming and the nation as a whole. We anticipate a return to conservatism at a local level while the broader national administration grapples with the remnants of a bizzare Biden presidency. Yet, despite the unusual cultural proposals and rushed diversification, we remain optimistic.
The hope for a return to normalcy lies in the potential leadership of President-elect Donald Trump and the conservative strides expected in states like Wyoming. As the Freedom Caucus takes the helm, we look towards recovering the true essence of conservatism.
While the proposed policies and legislation seem questionable and extreme, it paints a vital picture of the current state of the Union under the Biden administration. With the upcoming changes in the tax regime and the potential delisting of the grizzly bear being notable examples.
As we welcome the dawn of another new year, we remain hopeful yet vigilant of the changes that the year 2025 might bring. The echoes of the Biden administration’s questionable policy decisions and the impact on state economies like Wyoming remain to be seen. Nonetheless, we hold on to hope and remain resilient in the face of change.