Marking Period 3: Columnist Article 3

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-bleak-look-at-americas-future/2011/12/09/gIQAAYmDjO_story.html

This week, Ignatius discovers a study predicting what America's role in the world and internal situation will look in 2030. The unclassified study, titled “Global Trends 2030,” is is being conducted by the National Intelligence Council. They predict an economic collapse in Europe that will affect America, who will only begin to recover very slowly. Ignatius believes in a slightly more optimistic view of the world. He trusts in America's ability to adapt and respond to a crisis because of their diverse population and military.
But he said their only weakness is their "political system, which is approaching dysfunction". He also implies this message by reporting that even other countries are more optimistic. He reports that the "Chinese are the first ones to say that we are too pessimistic about our future". By stating a country that is in current rivalry with America, it points out the extreme pessimism in our own view of the country.