I was discussing this thread with a friend, who said (I'm paraphrasing him):

"The US has already lost its power. There's something very wrong there, which is why George W. Bush was able to get close enough in the election to steal it. I mean, think about it -- a cocaine abuser, an alcoholic who never held a job, didn't get a decent education, at least not properly, who deserted from his military requirement, who isn't very bright -- this man would never have been taken seriously as a presidential candidate if there wasn't something awfully wrong already."

Comments?