Our science is no doubt two generations ahead of the competition at this point, from jet fighters to space craft to telephones yes, we still rule.

Our IDEALS, where we intend to go, what we intend to uphold, WHO we intend to be in the modern world... that's a whole nother ballgame, America is losing the moral high ground with each passing day, IMO.

Gay bashers and religion haters aside... ascending to what?

Sounds like a teenager to me.

Sounds like the chewy taste of truth to me.

America is starting to believe its own hype, like Pete Carroll writ way large IMO, its time to recognize that while our national charter is and always will be the world ideal... we don't always hold to our own "deeply held" values.

I still choose America over the others, but we need to be held to our own standards these days, IMO.

The issue with these types of statements is that they ignore that our perceptions about what a quality life is have changed dramatically compared to the "good old days". Cut the average house size in half, fix your own car, stop eating out, grow food in a garden, get rid of cable, internet, etc., and it wouldn't be as hard as you'd think. Sure, you'd be bored out of your mind, but people used to be perfectly content with sitting around and telling stories and reading books for entertainment.

It also ignores the fact that (I'm assuming) you're talking about a middle-class white family. I think you'd be hard pressed to find many minority families who would agree that life was better back then than it is now.

I think we're descending slightly but will get our heads out of our asses in 20 years or so and start turning it around.

So, just be cool with an upcoming austerity program for the most industrious nation on earth, DaFace?

Not trying to be a smart alice, just wondering why one of the worlds true superpowers, and one of its honest to God most hardworking as far as hours per week and standards that are expected to be met, why are we expected to just "deal with it".

This nations tax dollars, compiled by the worlds most exacting tax system that ensures everyone pays their share (LOL), this nation that gives more to every disaster around the world by a factor of 10... why should we just suffer through the loss of jobs that helped make us strong in the first place?

We give and give and give... yet when this nation needs help its just "welp, time to tighten your belts John Boy", make due with beans and pigs feet 7 days a week like my grandparents did in the depression?

Its globalism and I'm tired of it, a lot of other people are as well... America seems to have become a big fat titty to suck on.

YOU SHUT THE HELL UP AND GET OFF MY DAMN LAWN

I think we are stable, but a great symbol of the current state of the health of the economy of the US can be seen in the rebuilding of ground zero in NYC. It's been 13 years since 9/11 and they still haven't got any of the large towers open yet, and two of the towers proposed have been pushed back/postponed in construction due to the lack of anchor tenants. I think it says everything about what is going on in the US right now.

Broke and divided about the right path forward, yeah that sound right, GG.

Jet fighters don't mean much in the world of ballistic missiles and nukes. Our space program has ground to a complete halt, to where we are 'farming out' the launching of our astronauts to other national space programs. Most android phones are from foreign manufacturers, and the iPhone is only designed in the US, but build across the Pacific. How is this ruling?

Its a fringe subject and I wont bother this thread with it GG, but I'm not convinced we don't have manned/unmanned, advanced propulsion craft already ruling the hell out of nearby space.

America has nukes and two oceans for defense so I wouldn't worry about being invaded.

We are on a slow decline that could be reversed if we have the government step back and start undoing the chains it has been put on the productive impulses of the citizenry.

We aren't going to go out with a bang like the European powers with two World Wars but probably slide into the position that the UK, France, and Germany are in now. Still a power but not a superpower.

Well said.

I dnt know where were headed, But if in 2016 the American people are stuck with voting for another Bush or Clinton. I say **** it & declare the winner king or queen & be done with it.