[Nuc1]

This is when you will know the Republic is truly finished. This is the classic decay pattern of a republic. It is possible that the Strong Man will be magnanimous and restore the constitutional foundation of the nation and round up and eliminate its enemies, as did Chile under General Augusto Pinochet. There by giving birth to the Second Republic. Unfortunately the fundamental problem with our nation is its people. Far too many are immoral takers that give too little back in terms of work and wealth generation. This group of people are not capable of self government. They are essentially thieves. So an oligarchy is the more likely outcome IMHO.

[ClearCase_guy]

I do agree. On the other hand, a "worst case scenario" may be a massive die-off in the US in which the only survivors are self-reliant people who want the rest of society to just leave them the hell alone.

Did I say "worst case"?

[Tijeras_Slim]

So an oligarchy is the more likely outcome IMHO.

The argument could be made that we are already there with a incestuous top tier of governmental and business kleptocrats feeding unhindered at the public trough.