This feels a bit out of touch. Firstly, anywhere in the USA, even Mississippi, is richer than almost anywhere else in the world in dollar terms. That is always going to buy a certain level of function and safety compared to most countries in the world, which are, well, poor. Next, "the US" is continent-sized federation. Vermont, say, is clearly safer and more functional, by any measure, than all but handful of independent countries.

In terms of figures, the USA is currently #43 out of 105 in the Safety Perceptions Index. Admittedly not a great score (but I can't help noticing that #1 is Uzbekistan, which is a literal police state). Even harder to measure "functional" but the US is at #20 out of 193 in the Human Development Index, which measures wealth, education and healthcare.

Whatever the current frame of mind of Americans, it's important to remember that the USA remains a privileged place.

USA. Despite what people will tell you around here we aren't crumbling to bits or shooting each other in the streets.

What the federal government does has ultimately very little effect on my day to day life. I go to work. I come home. I get high and pet my cats too much. I play video games with friends I've made over the course of my life. I eat dinner and I crash. I'll repeat this pattern all week and then on weekends I do chores and visit friends/family.

Other than that everything is still functional. Safety hasn't gone up or down. It's still exactly as safe as it was under Obama and Biden eras. Pretty safe as long as you avoid certain places or hanging out with the wrong crowds.

8/10. Room for improved always but I'm not really concerned.