. . "With all the problems affecting the United States of America today, it should come as no surprise that many are predicting (and even preparing) for what seems to be the inevitable collapse of this union. Many states have suggested secession from the Union, while the remaining problems seem to suggest the United States may follow the fate of the Soviet Union and dissolve. But as chaotic as it may seem today, the United States of America has gone through worse times. None so chaotic as the first years of independence, when the Thirteen Colonies were farther apart then what we take for granted today, and when the United States of America (as we know it) didn't even exist."@en . . . . "13 Fallen Stars"@en . "With all the problems affecting the United States of America today, it should come as no surprise that many are predicting (and even preparing) for what seems to be the inevitable collapse of this union. Many states have suggested secession from the Union, while the remaining problems seem to suggest the United States may follow the fate of the Soviet Union and dissolve. But as chaotic as it may seem today, the United States of America has gone through worse times. None so chaotic as the first years of independence, when the Thirteen Colonies were farther apart then what we take for granted today, and when the United States of America (as we know it) didn't even exist. Imagine if at this crucial time in American history, the Confederation just ceased to exist. What would the world be like had the United States of America had taken the same path as many other failed unions throughout history? What if the Thirteen Colonies moved away from each other, and left behind a flag of 13 Fallen Stars?"@en . . . . . .