No news is bad news......

One must search hard for interesting news just now, but that is a good thing, is it not. It affords journalists to report something positive, although I have not seen much along those lines. Lots of speculation, however, such as the origin of the spate of massive bird deaths, why the Catholic church is suddenly interested in publicly exposing its exorcism rites, what nascent form of dishonesty might be lurking at No. 10 Downing street, how the Republics who are now the majority in our House of Representatives intend to reduce spending while not increasing tax revenue, and cetera.

Flavor of the month editorially speaking is the production of scenarios regarding the demise of the USA as the world economic, political and military power. I would be delighted for the USA to leave the limelight as world No. 1 and enjoy the luxury of sitting back to watch another super power contend with world ills. China would be fine with me in this role, as would India, Brazil, Russia and even the EU, although the latter is not bloody likely given the prevailing absence of any form of unity whatsoever.

China could address the opium and Taliban issues in Afghanistan while sending envoys to Israel and Palestine to jump-start peace negotiations. India would be ideal for ensuring human rights, child labor reform, and taking a firm hand in controlling North Korea. Russia might well commit itself to resolving Middle East crises, prison reform, freedom of the press and the evils of alcohol. As for the world's monetary leader, I leave it up to the EU to take over that role along with that of financing faltering national economies.