This is one of the few articles that thinks Americans will take responsibility and solve our problems. Most other writers have given up on America. History proves America exceptionalism appears when needed. Like the theme of the book "The Red Badge of Courage". A "boy becomes a man when a man is needed". Another relevant quotation is "Necessity is the Mother of Invention". source: http://biggovernment.com/cstreet/2011/06/30/american-exceptionalism-is-why-we-win-they-lose/