It’s a major anniversary year for the U.S., which marks 250 years as an independent nation. But many Americans aren’t in the mood to celebrate. Most think the quarter-millennium of existence enjoyed by the country was the best time we’re likely to see, and that the future is bound to be grim.
In recent polling, reports Pew Research’s Blen Wondimu, “59% of Americans say the country’s best years are behind us, while 40% say its best years are ahead.” Forty-four per cent report feeling very or somewhat pessimistic about what the U.S. will be like in 50 years, as opposed to 28 per cent who feel optimistic and 27 per cent who just aren’t sure.
