Newshouse Politics

I live in constant dread of 2012, the year the Mayans predicted the earth will cease to be. Now, thanks to Joe Biden and a government report, I have even more reason to fear 2012. Even if we make it past 2012 safely, apparently some sort of attack by a weapon of mass destruction will occur by 2013. But don’t worry, it’ll most likely be biological rather than nuclear.

The report says that “unless the world community acts decisively and with great urgency, it is more likely than not that a weapon of mass destruction will be used in a terrorist attack somewhere in the world by the end of 2013.”

That attack could be as small as a single anthrax-coated letter. Or it could be, um, bigger.

Future Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Biden both said it’s time for the U.S. to “act urgently, deliberately and in concert with nations across the globe.”

That’s big talk for an administration that already has a recession and two wars to deal with. But, judging by the rate things are moving and the volatile nature of the world, dealing with weapons of mass destruction is an increasing priority. The only effective way to deal with them is through global communication and cooperation, so maybe Amtrak Joe’s getting ready for some useful conversation once his team is sworn in.

On the other hand, if the Mayan’s predicted it, there’s no point fighting the inevitable . . .