The United States are clearly now engulfed in a situation of despair and depression. Between the fall of the stock market, to the banking and insurance scandals, to the rise of foreclosures and unemployment, Americans have seen better days. In fact, the world is financially troubled, and much of the blame, according to foreign leaders, is on the American financial system.

What does this mean for the future of this country? No one knows. There is wide-spread fear and discomfort, but not really panic, yet. However, the signs of unrest are there. For a while now, Americans have been dissatisfied with the performance of President Bush and the Congress. John McCain's campaign for President has taken a hit due to his support for Bush proposals of the past.

In a new Gallup poll, only 9% of Americans are now "satisfied with how things are going" in the United States. Of the dissatisfied, 69% of respondents believe economic issues are the most important problem. With about 90% of Americans dissatisfied, the presidential election's theme of change is resonating even more. In many countries, approval ratings this low might mean the opening for regime change, dictatorial power wielding, or military coup. In the United States, this still remains highly unlikely.

However, the dynamics of power over the economic system will surely change.

Already, the government is bailing out distressed companies that hold the financial futures of millions of Americans in their hands. This marks a trend towards more government control over the free market economy, while also increasing the amount of money the country is in debt. Debt is not an ever expandable option. The increase of debt results in higher interest payments on the National Debt, limiting the fiscal flexibility of government, unless of course more is borrowed.

Could there be a point where no more money could be borrowed? Apparently, with the condition of the credit markets worldwide, even the Federal Government may be getting closer to the ceiling of limitations. It seems incomprehensible, but can one really believe that there is no limit whatsoever on the amount that can be borrowed?

Depending on how the country's leadership deals with this financial crisis will affect how deep and how long this depression will last. The image next to this article is a quote from Martin Luther King the day before he was assassinated. The year was 1968, a year in which the United States experienced a great deal of turmoil. This year, the turmoil is growing. In 1968, King offered a vision of hope coming out of a time of distress. While his assassination helped punctuate the uneasiness of the time, Americans emerged from it a better country, due in part to his message of unity. Now, in an election year, Americans look for a leader that will bring hope and change. While it does not necessarily have to be an elected official, it just so often is. We will see who will emerge as the American hero of our times.

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