What about during the Carter years?  We suffered from "stagflation," oil prices spiked, he blaimed us for "malaise," Iran fell and the Ayatollah took hostages for more than a year.  Our then-ineffective military staged a disastrous attempt to rescue them that ended when two of our planes crashed into each other at a desert landing strip.  We became "a pitiful, helpless giant," yet we recovered quite nicely.
I'd say those who think this is the beginning of the end have too little faith in America and are spending too much time listening to prophets of doom like Beck, Limbaugh and Hannity.
PS:  There are those of us who could have legitimately thought the same way during Dubya's reign, as we watched him let Bin Laden escape, then bumble into Iraq, pass the so-called "Patriot Act" to impinge on our rights, watch helpless as Kim Jon Il tested a nuke and Iran ramped up its nuke program.  I  could go on, but you get the picture.  I'd say one's outlook depends mostly on one's political perspective.

-- Modified on 3/27/2011 10:27:22 AM

So you would prefer the way Bush operated....shoot first ask questions later?  Obama is providing the right kind of leadership in most areas.

There is no indication of any AQ influence and You have no proof of Al Qaeda involvement.

is NOT coming to an end but our government is killing the birds and fish, creating earthquakes and tsunami's.  They are creating wars and using the Bible scriptures to make it look like prophecy is being ful-filled.  They are using the news media with all this fear-mongering news.  If you want to feel better, walk outside in nature, that is where we are closest to God.  I admit there is some evil going on but if we can't change it, why worry?  And please don't buy into giving your money to the church thinking it will save you.  If our dollar collapses, just feed and help who you can.  Take care, go to the beach, have sex, do what makes you happy and live your life right this moment!  Madison