I agree. The US is not to the point where there is systemic hunger, abuse of power and lack of justice, not at the level of some nations.

Comparing the United States to the 1960s, the wealth inequality is greater; more money is allocated towards capital and not labor (less wages); the culture has changed from "saving for tomorrow" to "living for today" (which encourages more debt and less savings), and there is less public investment in education, R&D and critical infrastructure (compared to GDP) which impacts long-term growth. These combinations add to the wealth inequality by strapping the government and public with less income, more debt, and less growth, fueling people's discontent, which lead to more social instability.

The US has not got to the point of systemic misery, but as things get worse, the United States may look for someone to blame, China in particular. And with the rise of China’s economic and military power, and the United States relative declining economic and military power, and the loss of prestige that goes with it, the United States may turn that misery outward and start a war to distract itself from its own problems. And that is bad for the entire planet.

I like your comment.