The rest of the world can only hope that the very best years for Americans, but not the good ones, are behind them.

It is generally been a good thing that America has been great and strong, particularly in the last century, but there has always been a line beyond which greatness and strength change from being something the lesser can aspire to and take comfort from, into something that crushes the weaker and is something for others to fear.

For all the good as a nation and as individuals that the United States and its people have undoubtedly done fpr the world, and for all it has been that "shining city on the hill", the United States has nonetheless crossed that line from champion to bully, from powerful to overwhelming, in its drive to succeed and to provide for its own people, many times.

I hope the United States stays strong, and even dominant in world affairs, but I will be happy to see other nations being able to viably compete with it in international and economic affairs. Monopolies is agood business for the monopoliser, but rarely good for business in general.