Most Americans lack the stones to stand up for themselves ... As long as the cable TV stays on, they don't care.
Very true.
I think the middle of the country will always be self sufficient and stable. Its the big cities that might see some unrest.
The other thing that's different from past eras is how spread out families are now. People who lose their jobs can move in with employed family members until things get better.
Also -- as the WWII generation passes away, their leaving their wealth to the baby boomers -- including their completely piad off houses.