They used to be good in the 19th and 20th centuries. Is it because they aren't majority Anglo anymore? I think that's related somehow. The majority of good American writers have an English ethnic background.

You will never be economically independent.
You will never be militarily powerful.
You will never be territorially sovereign.
You will never be politically stable.
You will never be culturally traditional.
You will always face the threat of espionage, lobbying, sanctions, bombing, invasion, and balcanization.

As long as this flag exists.

So choose your allies carefully.