I arrived at a place a few years ago of seeing America as a failing empire, and it is failing as almost all empires fail. I am no historian but it helps me sleep at night. Unless there is a way to fight income inequality and the lack of decent jobs, we will be a the Soviets were...at the mercy of those with brutal ways and enormous bank accounts. 
I have no, absolutely no, respect for the national GOP. They are dedicated to the principle that it is perfectly fine for the 99% to be ruled by the rest. In the 1950's, to be a Republican was to be for good jobs and...
I have an enormous respect for many of the past, including FDR and now Barack Obama. 
Hugh