>>>>>This may seem dramatic but I am seriously thinking of leaving the country when Emily leaves for college a year from now. I don't like what the U.S. has turned into. It's an ugly country full of hatred. Our better days are behind us and we are on the downslope of empire. I'm not sure who will replace us as a world power -- things pretty much suck all over -- but we are not what we were. I am thinking of Vancouver, Toronto, New Zealand, and Scandinavia. Can you get by speaking English in Scandinavia or would I have to learn long unpronounceable words? ;-)
>>>>
>>>>Better days behind us???
>>>>
>>>>Open up a History book and point me to the page of History you're talking about.
>>>
>>>If I were to pick the date, I'd say the US peaked November 9, 1989. ;)
>>
>>At this date the gap to the second place was about greatest - no doubt -
>>but I see this date as lready coupled with a downward trend as well
>>[competition was getting easier before that date, so US did not have to "forge ahead"]
>>I'd pick July 20, 1969, even many of the reasons were not scientifc, but PR.
>
>This was a good date, but the question is "Better days behind us???" that would justify leaving your home country for another...Vietnam War....comes to mind on this one, so it doesn't fall into "Better days".

I believe the US's best days are behind her. I do not mean to imply that any other country will match her in the near future. That would require intelligence, foresight and a strength of will not found in a group of leaders since 1776 or so. I sincerely hope the US proves me wrong, unfortunately I do not see it occurring in my lifetime. The next 2 years are critical for America's survival. Nothing less than the very foundation of our republic hangs in the balance.