ABSOLUTELY CHILLING - AT 5:01 P.M. ET:  When we say that we worry about American strength in the future, we're making an argument, although a serious one.  But when we see this in print, it brings it home.  From the Brisbane (Australia) Times:

THE Rudd Government has acknowledged that the supremacy of the US has begun to fade and Australia is preparing for an uncertain future in which it can no longer rely on the protection of its main ally.

In a fundamental shift in defence plans, the Government has explicitly declared that US primacy in the Asia-Pacific - the bedrock of the nation's security since World War II - may be ending. The change, caused by the rise of new great powers such as China, is set to produce growing regional tensions and a "sudden deterioration" in Australia's security.

A 20-year defence blueprint, to be released by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, today, prepares for a multibillion-dollar build-up of naval and air forces to ensure that Australia can defend its northern and sea approaches.

COMMENT:  Australia has been one of our few solid allies.  To read this is like reading an obituary for American power.  We are being confronted with the reality of the age of Obama.  It will bring us no new friends, and the old ones will start to drift away, or at least "adjust" their policies. 

We did see the beginnings of this in the seventies, especially during the pathetic Carter years.  We were saved by Ronald Reagan, whose first priority was the buildup of American defense.  Who will save us now? 

May 1, 2009