[QUOTE=BBQMan;346630]The path for this nation’s decline began with the civil war. Up until that time, people were citizens of their respective states first, and citizens of the United States second. This was truly a republic as stated famously by Benjamin Franklin when asked at the end of the Constitutional convention whether we had a republic or a monarchy answered, “A republic if you can keep it.”

BBQMan - Very interesting take on the inception of our decline. My narrow mindedness made me focus on the past 60 odd years, the scope of my experiences. The U.S. emerged from WWII a powerful world leader and built on that supremacy for many decades. In my view the kink in our armor started to show up perhaps 20-25 years ago.


We have not been able to keep our republic. The United States is now an empire and close to becoming a monarchy. Rome was glorious for years having abandoned its republic for a monarchy. The end was not pretty either for Rome or the Western World.

To correct what is happening, we need to starve the beast. Cutting off the national government’s ability to spend with its open checkbook will be more than difficult – it may be impossible. But if we cannot do it, do not be surprised when the barbarians arrive and assume control.

Agreed.