"America's identity crisis is being fought by every one of us"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/oct/18/american-psyche
Here I chose the last column was written by George Saunders for The Guardian.

He wrote that 'Now is a kind of calm-before-the-storm moment here in America.' The storm he means the financial crisis. He wrote the 'American Psyche' for Guardian that was almost two years ago, but the financial crisis is still going on. He mentioned that they are in two wars. However, I think those two are the most importat, but their armies are in different countries of the world. His articles or works are more about satirical. He satires the contemporary society of America. In this last passage he mentioned a smart-mouthed kid in the back seat of the car making fun of his family. What is the relevant between the financial crisis and those two wars? People who care about it? They just want to live in peace.

I found a vedio clip that probably is about that 'smart-mouthed kid', but I am not sure. If not we can still watch it, it is really funny.