If not economically then at least socially and culturally.
No matter what, he says, the United States is slipping into Third-World status. It is a done deal; it cannot be stopped.
You replied:
If not economically then at least socially and culturally.
Have you spent much time in a real Third-World country? I have. I can tell you that anyone who says that the United States is heading for Third-World status inside of 20 years (as Roberts does) is peddling snake-oil.
Anyone who has seen (and smelled!) life in the Third World knows that there is no comparison. We have so many advantages: clean air and water, reliable communications and power systems, a working health care system. Our economy is the largest and most vibrant in the world. Our government, for all its faults, is more efficient and less corrupt than any Third World kleptocracy. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights (to the extent that they are observed) put us far ahead of any other country.
Then there are the intangibles. For generations, our people have been taught to work hard and obey the law. We tend to admire achievers and reward success. We are known for our optimism and can-do attitude, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. (Although reading the comments here make me doubt the latter!)
I could go on, but you get the idea. I do not deny that we face serious problems. Nevertheless, I am confident that Americans can find a way to out-compete any other nation if we are resolved to do so. On the other hand, if we wring our hands and declare that we are doomed, then doomed we are.