We just aren’t used to the idea that America would ever decline. We never really had to do anything as it seemed to “fix” itself.
Like no matter what happened, there was always a good period after a somewhat traumatic decade.
1860s led to 1876-1901
1910s led to the 20s
1930-1945 led to the 50s
1960s and 70s led to the 80s - at least most of the 90s.
9/11 led to a few months of unity.
Hopefully this traumatic 15 years is about to come to an end too, and we are given a chance to turn it around and this time keep it that way.
We are going to share the same fate as the Roman Empire.