WALTER RUSSELL MEAD: Dispatches From The War That Doesn’t Exist.

As everybody knows, there is no such thing as a global war on terror anymore. Instead we live in a harmonious world of interfaith comity with only the occasional criminal act that is quickly and competently handled by law enforcement officials. As a result we can cut our defense budgets and get on with the real business of life, which is to say watching TV, going to the mall and voting to re-elect the strategic geniuses whose wise decisions and firm but thoughtful leadership gave us this tranquil world order.

As we celebrate this new age of peace, understanding and joy, here are a few stories that might matter if we didn’t have such a wise and level-headed government in Washington that was bent on soothing and quieting what might otherwise be an aroused and worried public opinion.

Read the whole thing. I have a feeling that one way or another, this age of peace, understanding, and joy has only about 5 more weeks to run. . . .

Key bit: “We may be tired of the war on terror, but the terrorists aren’t tired of waging war on us. Far from it. They are just warming up.”