Well, when the Constitutional Convention ended, a lady asked old Ben Franklin if they had given us a republic or a monarchy. Ben replied: "A republic. . . IF YOU CAN KEEP IT!"
That's the bottom line, isn't it? We can have a bright and indefinite future, but only to the extent that the right choices and actions are taken by each succeeding generation. There is no given or guarantee about that, it is all contingent, and can never be taken for granted.
The beauty of this place is that it will always be a destination of hope and prosperity for people around the world. They will always keep the flame of industrious contibution alive. If they knock you or me off the team ... well, that's an evolutionary mandate if we're not getting the job done. I'm fixing to stay in the lineup by getting better and better. Everyone here should share that opportunity.
That's what keeps America fit and feisty. Ben could never have forseen 2003 America. He'd be lost in joy if he did.