[Psalm 144]

America was prosperous and vital before the federal government existed, and it will be again after it is gone.

[BillyBoy]

>> America was prosperous and vital before the federal government existed <<

The federal government has existed ever since the Continental Congress created one in 1777. Life in the American colonies under George III, those were the good ol' days?

>> and it will be again after it is gone <<

There won't be an America after its gone (I haven't heard a nation yet that exists without a national government, unless you're describing "transitional" states like Somalia) Perhaps you're describing "successor" post-America states, like the American southwest becoming Aztlan.