Naemanson and Grab make good analogies: we're seeing the US Empire in decline, a lot like France before the revolution ("Off with their heads!") or Victorian England. Or perhaps Rome before the barbarian hordes took it apart.

The poor are in misery, and the "leaders" in denial.

When did that whole "greatest nation" hype start, anyway? 1776? 1865? 1918? 1945? It's always been bullshit.

Cheers,
Michael