American culture has been brewing megalomaniacs like this for some time now. Celebration of greed and romanticizing the idea that wealth / power need not come with accountability are necessary ingredients.

Of course all empires go through these cycles. What's uncomfortable, I'm sure for some Americans, is that this usually marks the end of a properous time. Its the "we're not as special as we used to be, time to throw a tantrum" stage.

Anyone can ask themselves this question - which do you associate modern american culture with? Gratitude or entitlement? That will tell you all you need to know about the direction of the nation.