As students of history, it would behoove all of us to remember that no country or form of government lasts forever. The greater the disparity between the relatively small number at the top and the masses beneath them, the more chance there is of an event that will trigger a massive change in government. At this point we are one of the longest lasting democracies there has ever been and we are showing all the signs of this aging. I have no idea what will happen or when, but the next 15 to 20 years will be critical, in many ways, to our ability to remain a democracy.
All it takes is one extremely eloquent and charismatic leader to put an end to our current freedoms - whether he or she is from the left or the right. Vast inequalities, crushing debt and a weakening currency do not bode well for this country. I have no solutions - not a politician, just a very worried citizen.