A culture based on individualism is what has lead to the incredible development of western civilization over the last several hundred years, and America in particular over our history. America will not decline as long as we hold true to our cultural heritage. Pessimists like you have ALWAYS talked about America's impending decline. There were lots of you guys in the Great Depression. Plenty during the Cold War when the Soviets were going to bury us. PLenty more during the 80's when Japan was going to pass us up. Every recession signals the first phase of our decline as a nation. The thing is America just keeps getting stronger over the long run. I doubt even a nuke attack would set us back for more than 5-10 years. Look how far we have come over the course of one lifetime. How can anyone dare say we can go no farther?