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Americans had a lot of energy. They were able to direct their excess energy outward, first in territorial expansion, then in trade, then in military activity.

When the Cold War ended we were on top of the world. We didn't have anywhere else to go. Our efforts in the Middle East sputtered out.

So now we turn our energy inward on each other. Instead of building up the country, people are tearing it down because it gives them something to do and a feeling of being useful.

Maybe we will once again find a goal for all of our activity. Maybe it will be to keep up with China. Maybe China passes us and they become the active, world-changing, world dominating nation.

It's tough. When you're at the top, you don't have anywhere to go. Then one day you wake up and realize that you aren't on top anymore and haven't been for some time.