Reply #39: "the problem transcends America..."

[depakid]

This is true to some degree, but consider too that the economies and markets of Europe, Australia and Asia are considerably stronger than they've been in the past and would be in a much better position to hold their own when the US begins its inexorable decline.

As to foreign aid, the US "gives" considerably less than other "Northern" nations in terms of GNI (Gross National Income) than other nations- and what's given often has strings attached (e.g. the global gag rule).

I also agree that Americans in many regions are going to be very sorry in the coming decade(s) that they didn't invest in mass transit when times were good.