The Dominant Issue of the 21st Century?

Interviewed on CNN tonight, John McCain was asked what would be the most important issue facing America for the next president. He responded that "Islamo-fascist terrorism" would be the most severe issue facing America for the "rest of the 21st Century".

Though I would never vote for him, I kind of like McCain. I respect his sacrifice as a war prisoner. He seems a maverick in a party of button-downs. He says he's a straight shooter.

Are some radical Islamists a terror threat, for us and many others? Yes, indeed they are. But, the dominant issue facing America for the next 92 years?

The Republicans created the war in Iraq out of thin air, and now want it has become the self-perpetuating cause for them to rally around. Fear is a powerful motivator, especially to get votes. I suspect, that on this one, McCain believes his own rhetoric. Or, maybe, it's just his campaign strategy. Either way, to continue down the present path of using unilateral military options as our primary strategy will dig us further into the hole, that started with Vietnam.

And, I fault most of the leading Democrats for not pointing this out more clearly to the American people. Obama's opposition from the start is a strong point in his favor.

If we can not produce more effective strategies for dealing with the threats of Islamist terrorists in the next administration, then perhaps McCain will be correct, after all.