You're right. We haven't sacrificed, like our parents did. My mom had to save rations for meat and shoes. But we're Americans and we can do so, if need be. This is what makes us who we are [IMHO] and where others discount us. If we're pushed into a corner, watch out.
I hope you're right. I don't share your optimistic view of the general public. I think most Americans (leftists and those too uninformed to vote) are too selfish to sacrifice for anyone else and too focused on their own instant gratification. One-third of this country carries all of the weight. The other two-thirds (leftists and other uninformed) are parasites who contribute nothing of value to the nation.