Well, Fuck
I'm torn. On the one hand, most of Thomas P.M. Barnett's book The Pentagon's New Map lines up very closely with my own thinking. On the other hand, this. Dr. Barnett actually believes that if Senator Kerry wins the election, Old Europe will commit troops and resources to Iraq. Sorry for being crude, but is he fucking serious? Throughout The Pentagon's New Map, Dr. Barnett is incredibly optimistic, but this borders on the insane. His underlying assumption seems to be the the trans-Atlantic brouhaha over the invasion of Iraq was a matter of style, not a fundamental differences in worldview. Holy cow.

Dr. Barnett is a life-long Democrat, and this is made very clear in The Pentagon's New Map. You'll notice that I continue to respect and value his opinion, even knowing this. In this specific instance, I can only assume he's been caught up in the fervor of the election, and that in a more rational state of mind, he would recognize the folly of his position.

Also, it's All Saints' Day. Go to Mass, today's a holy day of obligation.