[bonsai_spool]

> Ultimately the US will go down hill to become a Belgium.

I'm curious why you say this given you start by highlighting several characteristics that are not like Belgium (to wit, poor education, political media capture, effective oligarchy). I feel there are several other nations that may be better comparators, just want to understand your selection.

[drnick1]

I think it just means "once powerful and important, but now practically irrelevant." England is a better example though.