Saying goodbye to George and hello to 2017

2016 was rough if you’re a fan of pop superstars, “Star Wars” heroines or democratic norms. That’s all over now, and George Michael is never gonna dance again. But in his honor, we’ll let George’s lyrics lead us through our latest poll at HeraldNet.com, “What’s the best thing about the new year?”

“Call me good, call me bad, call me anything you want to baby.”

The top choice in our poll was “Two words: Trump presidency,” with 42 percent of the vote. Normally we would call that a plurality, but somehow in Trump’s case, it’s a historic landslide.

“I’m so cold inside. Maybe just one more try.”

Twenty-two percent said 2017 can’t be worse than 2016. Judging from social media and family gatherings, a lot of 2016’s detractors seem to be left of center on the political spectrum. If they think 2017 will be better, perhaps they should refer to the two-word answer that won our poll.

“Today the way I play the game is not the same, no way. Think I’m gonna get myself happy.”

Eighteen percent in our poll voted for the NFL playoffs and the fact that spring training is on the horizon. The Seahawks have a puncher’s chance, and the Mariners … Well, the Cubs won the World Series last year, so you’ve got to give the M’s a shot now that hell has frozen over.

“Like you say the magic number, then just say goodbye to the stupid mistakes you made.”

Fifteen percent said it’s a chance to make resolutions and improve yourself. Fun fact: 15 is also the percentage of resolutions still being kept.

“It’s a cruel world. We’ve so much to lose.”

Only 2 percent in the poll said celebrities are safer now that 2016 is over, but we all know they’re never safer than the rest of us. Will our remaining icons make it through 2017 without meeting George’s fate?

“I gotta have faith.”

— Doug Parry: parryracer@gmail.com; @parryracer

Speaking of faith, how about a little faith in our collective ability to have a phone conversation and drive safely? Wait, what? THAT’S illegal? Uh oh *drops phone.