If ignorance is bliss, the Obama administration is living in a permanent state of euphoria.

Despite the fact that Egypt’s Mohammad Morsi recently granted himself far-reaching dictatorial powers, the U.S. State Department is insisting there’s nothing to see here, folks:

As we called for last week, when confronted with concerns about the decree that he issued, President Morsi entered into discussions with the judiciary, with other stakeholders in Egypt. As I said, I think we don’t yet know what the outcome of those are going to be, but that’s a far cry from an autocrat just saying my way or the highway. …

We are continuing to gather an understanding of precisely what’s been agreed, precisely what the impact is, as are Egyptians who are continuing to try to understand this. So I’m not going to opine any further till we have more information.

I’m pretty sure the tear-gassed Egyptians rioting in Tahrir Square have a clear picture of what Morsi’s decrees mean for the Arab Spring’s promise of “freedom.”

(Image: AP)

Sure the guy decreed that all of his decisions as president are not subject to any appeal in any court or by any other authority.  Sure he bestowed complete immunity for his Islamist friends who are now drafting a new constitution.  But sure, he’s a far cry from an autocrat.

Uh-huh.