The end of the Empire, the Collapse of America...bells sounding all, in the minds of many. To add fuel to this idea, a Mr. Hedges; a Pulitzer author espouses this idea in his new book. I need not read it, I have lived it as have many.

To begin with, Empires all collapse over time, History does not lie. Countries however, last much longer than empires, Italy though troubled in the South is still Italy. The rest of Europe as well as the USA will not disappear.
For instance, America, like ancient Rome, is involved around the World economically and Militarily. As a Father of a Soldier I do have knowledge that many do not.We carry the Burden of Civil management of quasi Democratic systems required globally. . On it goes, internally it is another story.
Our country has transformed over the decades from a mass producer of everything to a major buyer of the same. Corporations come and go to places where they receive maximum return.. Auto and Steel come to mind. Plants of the North have disappeared in much of the advanced communities of America. Southern plants, new Robotics and a hungry populace have filled the jobs once enjoyed by their Northern neighbors.

The North, where I reside, is removing the Rust proudly earned over generations. For instance, my neighbor across the road works full time , his Wife as well. They have three Sons, one in college.
My point is, he  does not turn a lathe or his Wife wait tables, those jobs noble, not enough to suffer the Taxes of living in my neighborhood.

My kids grown, have careers of their own and are climbing the ladder with Children underfoot or cradled in their arms. All good. Again, the Corporate Vessels that propelled my County have been gone a very long time, thousands of sleeps as my Grandson might say. The new players, are based on Fried condiments , Cardboard inventions with one old Dog in town which supplies the Navies of many fleets of the World with Diesel Engines of some magnitude. The plant on which that entity exists uses a Quarter of the space originally needed for Engineering and Manufacturing.

If you live in an apartment, Condo or a Home you experience things that all break down at some point. Either you call a Craftsman, Fix it yourself or order online...Much different than previous generations. We have Cell phones, drones and WIFI....amazing if you stop to think about it.

As for our Empire, we are in the middle of an enigma, Currency is based on air, they keep printing it.
Empires of the past, while charming and full of Historic structures, scenery, Art and fine cuisine are not the US. We are, historically a mere child. We evolve like children, make mistakes,  where do you begin, learn and move on. As mentioned, Empires evolve, end and carry on.America is changing, evolving and moving ahead.
 My spot, enhanced by the munificence of , Private Wealth,  Union ,wages, Pensions, a College full education and Partnership with a Gifted spouse that consciously or subconsciously supports our cause, continues to amaze even me.
My town, Gut shot by the forces of international intrigue remains, borrowing has been offset by the generosity of an entity reminiscent of the Emerald City.....where you can now get a drive in Flue shot, who knew?