Michael Friedman : Americans ' worry about U.S. decline is repeated through history . Americans may have to accept prospering with others , he says . Fear of decline fuels populism , which often promotes positive change , he says . Kazin : America is strong , especially in education , health , services , intellectual capital .
Michael Kazin says Americans ' worry about U.S. decline is repeated through history . Americans may have to accept prospering with others , he says . Fear of decline sparks populism , which often spurs positive change , he says . Kazin : U.S. is strong , especially in culture , entertainment , services , intellectual capital .