I didn't need to read the whole article. It comes down to some very simple variables. Americans want to HAVE MORE, DOING LESS. It doesn't work, it's never worked, and it will never work in the future. For example, you ignore you health, gain weight, lose drive, disolve your relationship with your Wife, lose you job, wonder why you lost your job and your kids, and have a heart attack at 45 years of age while you choke down your 28th smoke of the day.
The problem is, 98% of Americancs wish things were like they "used to be". You can live your life that way until your last breath of air or you can choose to CHANGE. Adapt, Learn, Gain Skills, Work on your ATTITUDE, Persistence, Health, and the list goes on down the line. You can separate yourself from the herd by a country mile if you have discipline that simply doesn't exist, today.
Just my opinion.