Is the U.S. on the downslide?

This question can be highly debated from myriad angles, obviously. But this LA Times editorial, though providing no real evidence for or against its topic, presents a thought-provoking piece on the inevitable downfall of world superpowers.

A discussion of this topic is contingent on a million different things, and there may be no real answer to the question; in fact, discussing it might not even make a difference. Politicians and citizens of the U.S. alike often declare that our country has and always will be the greatest thing ever to happen to the human race.

Maybe this is true — I'm certainly lucky to be in my own position. Yet, at the same time, isn't it important to examine our situation at least to know where we stand? The end will come much sooner than we expect if we're not cognizant that it might.