Been pondering a bit about the end times, as many Christians are. Many take the "seeming" lack of a strong US presence in the eschatological scriptures to indicate that we as a nation utterly fall and perhaps no longer exist. While I know well that all "great" nations have risen and fallen, I think there is definitely another possibility.
The US has a strong history and political tradition of not entangling itself in the world. Thomas Paine's Common Sense, the Monroe Doctrine, our current reluctance to go along with the UN--all ways in which Americans have distinguished ourselves from being beholden to the world's system.
This could be purely my own hope, but it could also be true. I looked up some commentaries and found interesting thoughts on the "young lions of Tarshish" in Ezekiel and possibly relevant eagle wings mentioned in Revelation.
http://www.oxfordbiblechurch.co.uk/pages/books/the-imminent-invasion-of-israel/appendix-12.php
While our country is on our mind, I hope that we pray that the US would extract itself from the world's system. We don't need the world, we really don't--we can sustain ourselves. People want us to be a "superpower". That's not what is important. We shouldn't look to dominate the world scene, only to be good and right and just. Throughout US history, we have remained allies of Israel--pray that we remain such, for the Lord promised that He would bless those who bless Israel.
People can choose to be vessels of honor or vessels of dishonor. I think countries can choose as well. We can shape ourselves to be a vessel of honor in this world.
and just didn't know it was him?!?! 
erplexed
