Michael Friedman : Kazin : Some Populists rejoined the mainstream political system , but the populist movement was very beneficial in pointing out problems that needed to be addressed . 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 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 .