Quote from Mvic:
Is the US going to descend in to Mad Max anarchy: No (seriously get a grip if you are worried about this)
Is the US going to look very different in 20 years: Yes though probably not as different as some imagine.
What hasn't and won't change? The time tested values are what will put you in the best position to prosper regardless of the changes. Live far below your means, don't carry any debt, be conservative and well diversified with your investments, take care of your health, your family (grow vegtables if you have the land to do so), try and add value to your own life, the lives of those around you, and, if you have time and energy left, your community. Never give up.
Live like that and you will be fine.
From a trading/investing perspective think in terms of opportunities, such as being able to buy in to all sorts of asset classes at multidecade lows that will come in the next 2 years.
One good thing about all this unemployment, especially amongst the high acheivers is that they are not the type to just sit still and lament thier loss, they are doers and will be starting many thousands of new businesses, a few of which will be the walmarts and microsofts of tomorrow giving a new generation the possibility to make Buffet like returns over the next 20+ years.