Agreed. We're going to make it. Which is why we need to start retaining a surplus, ie. savings, when we're in an expansion phase, and quit with the "taxes are too high" excuse to burn it up. Re your waves of bad times... yes and no. We're rich, most of the rest of the world is poor. We won't experience the full brunt of the worst of the bad times, that's reserved for the poor. Of course, instability has effects.
Even after the fall of Rome, the Roman Empire remained until a reasonable competitor could take it's place. So shall it be with America. But insofar as the Founder's vision goes, I think that ship has already sailed.
Don't you think "end game" has something to do with quality of life and economy... or are you just arguing semantics? The Roman Empire vanished... but was it "brilliant until it went out like a light" or were there many, many years of degradation before finally disappearing. I'd say the long tail of deterioration was a very negative part of the "end game" for the inhabitants... as it will be for us. Being strong and vibrant is one thing... still alive but "hanging by a thread" is entirely different.
Right, they pullback after a parabolic rise for the better part of 2 years and now they are "falling". Sorry, but the price of damn near every commodity is higher than it was at this time a year ago, two years ago, etc. Many are right back where they were during the last acute phase in 2008. Nevermind 5, 10, 15 years ago.
Today's youth has the choice to emigrate to the superpower of the next 100 years. Choices: China India Brazil
if commodities were falling, wouldn't that mean that the are anticipating an economic down turn? Wouldn't that be more proof that the curret policies of govt spending are not working? Its time to eliminate the income tax and let the people create economic benefit..... economically speaking govt spending is very likely to inefficiently allocate resources. (especially when powerful lobbyists are involved.)