Noted fish author declares:America is on the decline

America reached its peak during the 1960s and has been in decline ever since, according to a new book written by Lucas, one of two silver dollars in our fish aquarium. Lucas is known for his social activism and literary prose. His new book, "America's Last Gasp," just made The New York Times bestseller list.

"When one examines the post-Cold War decline of the urban core, coupled with the implications of the global economy and the decline of autonomous government, the message is clear: America is on the decline," said Lucas. "We don't have the prestige or the power that we once had, and we're losing more ground each day."

Critics of the book argue that Lucas spends too much time on economic matters and fails to address America's military and political might.

"His central thesis is hinged on the notion that our cities are in decay, therefore America is rotting from the inside out," said Hubert Guppy, book critic for The New Republic. "What he fails to state is that America's position as watchman of the world has never been stronger. It's a critical failing in my view."

The author maintains, however, that evidence of a country in decline is everywhere to be seen.

"You can see it in the faces of the starving families," Lucas said. "You can see it in crumbling bridges, in mangled highways, in closed-down stores and run-down houses. America is sinking fast, and there's no one standing by to rescue her."

At the current rate of decline, Lucas estimates that America will be a third world country in time for television's Sweeps Week 2011.