"The U.S. is on the same path of destruction that the Roman empire took."
I do not agree with this statement.

I am looking for cold, hard facts to support my point of view in this situation.

Example: A lack of patriotism and division in the Roman Empire caused
by an increasing economic gap is one of many factors that lead to the
destruction of the Roman Empire.

"Yes" Argument: The situation is similar in the United States. By
simply looking at the recent election, one can plainly see that the
U.S. is deeply divided over the issues.

"No" Argument (<---this is what I want): Americans are more patriotic
than ever. With *record* highs in some areas, over 119,445,383
participated in the recent presidential election. People care enough
about this country to go out and participate. Citizens come together
to vote.

------------------------

I require a substantial amount of statistical data that can be used in
argument including that related to economic, military, political and
social causes.

Here's some information to get you started:

Causes for the Roman Downfall:
Military:
-German invasions
-Lack of discipline among the empire's soldiers
Political:
-Authoritarian and corrupt government
-Division of the empire
Economic:
-Heavy taxation
-Diminishing wealth
-Reliance on slave labor
-Population decline
Social:
-A decline in moral values
-Devotion to luxury and self-interest among the upper classes
-A loss of self-reliance among the masses

Again, I wish to disprove the heading statement. Justifiably, some
facts can be used in both defense and opposition. In most cases, only
the facts themselves will be needed to present my point of view.

Accredited sources whenever possible, please!

I can provide additional information collected thus far if requested.
I am happy to elaborate if needed.

Thanks.

You think maybe your requirements are worth more than $15?

Might you be able to suggest something in a more appropriate range?
(Sorry, I'm still relatively new with Google Answers).

The Rise and Fall of all Civilisations show a clear correlation
between economic and cultural development. Economic development comes
first followed by cultural development, followed by an inevitable
Fall.

As the U.S. has so far failed to achieve any cultural development
whatsoever then its widely signalled Fall will be totally
unprecedented.

It is certainly far too late to graft any cultural pretensions onto
the U.S. for the sake of consistency.

Thank you for your comments, probonopublico. Still, this request truly
has to do with solely my opinion. You may surmise it impractical to
honor my request due to your beliefs, but that should not stop other
researchers from delving into this.

Simply, no one asked for any reading between the lines.

Thanks again.

oh dear, you ARE new in these parts, aren't you . . .
you can ask for commenters to read between the lines . . . or pray
that they don't . . . either way it's kinda the nature of the Google
beast that they will, especially when you set yourself up so
beautifully!  You might get a GA researcher to stay up all night
digging up 'accredited sources' for these 'cold hard facts' to support
your POV . . . all for a measly fifteen bucks. It could happen. It
could happen if you're lucky enough to find a researcher who
wholeheartedly agrees with your POV. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, lighten up
a little, buddy! It's an interesting question, and it's also an open
forum (within the rules set down by the gods of GA, of course). And
besides, you don't know who you're talking to!  Probonopublico is the
inventor of the famous Balloonycraft (tm) . . . don't tell me you've
never heard of it !?!

ts

I apologize for coming off as hostile. I suppose I read
probonopublico's message as a tell-off. Shall I just chock it up to
dry humor?

Balloonycraft huh?

Thanks.

(and <chalk> it up, too ;-))

Hi, Bruce

I'm now on my way to the Pacific North Wet to meet up with the Timely
One who has correctly identified me as the Inventor of the
Baloonycraft, which is now my preferred mode of transport.

For the record, I am indeed the famous Inventor but, alas, not yet an
accredited Researcher for this Roman-type Forum. I'm more of a
Spartacus than a Brutus or a Caesar. You oughta see me in my Gladiator
outfit.

The REAL Researchers can be identified by having their names
highlighted in a sickly shade of BLUE together with an underline.

Maybe a some such will pay your question a visit ... They're a great bunch. 

All the Best

Bryan

Hey I?d love to swill a few pints of ruin in a pub with you lot.
Erudition, urbanity, tendentious bias and a good measure of devil?s
advocate.

I of course (as hundreds of others) Googled Balloonycraft, then felt
dumb. But you (probonopublico) are likely to be familiar with :-
 ?America ; the only country to have gone from barbarism to decadence
without passing through civilisation.?

Or from the great Ambrose Bierce :-
 ?Patriot, n. One to whom the interests of a part seem superior to
those of the whole. The dupe of statesmen and the tool of conquerors.?

Or also from AB :-
 ?Patriotism, n. Combustible rubbish ready to the torch of any one
ambitious to illuminate his name.
In Dr Johnson?s famous dictionary patriotism is defined as the last
resort of a scoundrel. With all due respect to an enlightened but
inferior lexicographer I beg to submit that it is the first.?

Yes of course the States in en route to perdition. Won?t happen
tomorrow and unlikely for exactly the same reasons as Rome, but
spectres are rising. This is portended because, without exception, all
world powers ?have their day?. Unless of course Leonard Cohen is
correct in his lyrics, ?Democracy is coming -- to the USA.?

Tongue now extracted from cheek ;-)

Best