I should just note that I really see no reason that the US could not last forever (however that will eventually be determined). The Nation is far too interconnected to fall out (California being an excellent example). People forget that the US military is peopled from all parts of the nation, but most especially from the South, which contrary to the Civil War, is now the most patriotic of all regions. And the California National Guard is no match for the "Pros from Dover".

But I do share one bias with the wistful ones... if it happened at all, it would most likely be the Republicans, as the Democrats couldn't take over a 7-11...