SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 10:02 P.M. ET:

THIS MIGHT BE SERIOUS –  There is a sense, gleaned from administration and law-enforcement sources, that the terror threat surrounding the 9-11 observance might be quite serious.  Today Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta warned enemies not to "mess with" the United States, the kind of warning typical of George W. Bush, but not typical of the current administration.  The mayor of New York has also urged New Yorkers to be especially alert.  We are following this closely.

AN ANGRY PRESIDENT – I thought it was just me last night, but now pundits are buzzing about how angry the president seemed during his speech.  I'd also add that when the camera turned to Michelle Obama, she looked absolutely furious.  These are two angry people, and that is not healthy in the national leadership of the United States.  We've had fury in office before.  Jimmy Carter became the national scold, and flopped badly.   Hillary Clinton, as first lady, was known as hell on wheels.  Americans admire optimism in their leaders, as this is an optimistic country.  Another performance like last night, and the Obamas might find the welcome mat withdrawn.

WEATHER BULLETIN FROM THE LAND OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS – Sweden is one of those countries that is obsessed with political correctness and trendiness, while at the same time a good part of the country seems a mess.  Sweden, of course, accepts the "science" of global warming.  Now, though, forecasters are predicting another bitter, freezing winter, following two other bitter, freezing winters.  And we now learn that weather patterns in Sweden seem to change, on average, every 3.5 years.  It was very bitter during World War II, then mild afterward.  But wait.  If those temperatures are changing in a regular pattern, what does that say about the "human" contribution to global warming?  Never mind.  I'm sorry I asked.  I didn't mean to be offensive.

DANGER IN CAIRO – In another sign that the "Arab spring" is going south, a mob in Cairo broke into the Israeli embassy, ransacked part of it, burned documents, and, according to some reports, roughed up some of the staff.  Egyptian police stood by and did nothing.  Embassies are considered inviolate, and mob rule is not a good thing.  There have been a number of disturbing signs coming out of Egypt, and indeed some bad signs from Libya.  It is far from clear that the people replacing the overthrown dictators of Mideast countries will be any better.  We should get a good idea in the next year, in time for us to judge Obama's policies in the region at the next election.

September 9, 2011