If these issues regarding the American economy are so serious, why has no leadership risen to meet the need? How much of what is coming is simply the end result of decades of unsustainable living/consumption? As a non American, sometimes I find it hard to understand why Americans seem so reluctant to look at the bigger picture. To me, there are obvious causes to these issues that very few Americans are comfortable thinking about let alone talking about. Fear seems to be rampant from both sides of the political spectrum in the USA, we have the same debates in New Zealand and we are facing similar issues, but there is quite a different political approach and we are currently rapidly down sizing our government for much of the reasons Rick has mentioned here (much to the disdain of the left) If I could say something to the American people it would be simply to seek perspective, the kingdom of God is not the same as the nation of the USA, don't fear what you can't control, but also, seek understanding on why this is happening and the humility to see the truth of the situation. I know Christians in America have very real concerns, but please remember this, you effect the whole way the world perceives the Christian faith, in NZ Christians are almost always attacked based upon arguments/doctrines formed in the USA, the mistakes you make affect much more than I feel many American Christians realise. We are a global community of believers, seek perspective and interchange from people outside of your country, you desperately need to see this from other perspectives, and I mean desperately. We can't help if you don't ask.