Final answer:
The author's perspective on the future of America is unclear as they mention both positive and negative aspects of the country.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author's perspective on the future of America is unclear. While the author mentions positive developments and the country's past prosperity, they also acknowledge the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. The use of phrases like 'Only time will tell' and 'we really do not know' suggests that the author does not have a definitive stance on whether they are hopeful or not. Therefore, option c) The author's perspective on America's future is unclear is the correct answer.