(salam) I think what is being discussed is not whether or not a Muslim Ummah exists in the U.S. or elsewhere (as it certainly does, whether we like it or not), but rather, the possibility of having a "strong", "influential" and "active" Ummah. If one studies Muslim communities throughout history, one finds that for most of history (except the last 100 years) a Muslims primary social identification has been with their village, their village mosque, their village Imam. Their identity as a Muslim took on the overpowering hue of their local religious institutions. What has changed (and is still being sorted out) is that Muslims now are identifying more with "boundless communities " (such as online communities), rather then geographically bounded ones. This change is bringing about an new social order. New social orders take time to solidify. During the process, it creates alot of chaos and uncertainty. So if a strong, vibrant and active Muslim Ummah is to materialize in the U.S., the foundation will inevitably be some type of "boundless community" that will manifest itself at the local level. Currently, the problem is that no suitable boundless community exists for this (i.m.o.). If one is to be formed, it must be done by a group of fiercely dedicated individuals who are so driven to accomplish this that they will sacrifice everything else in their life toward this end. Also, they must be wise enough to be able to "execute" properly. So the problem is (as usual) leadership. Historically, the leaders of this type have come from the community of Muslim scholars. That is not to say that a leader cannot emerge from elsewhere, but the most likely candidate would be a mujhtahid. From my experience, the scholars in the U.S. (in general) are not interested in this, and still have one "foot" elsewhere. The few who may be interested in this (apparently) have not been able to execute properly....Allahu Alim. Also, from the perspective of this world I think it's important to have a clear goal/plan first. Then take a "personal inventory" of your strenghs and weaknesses, your personal/family situation, etc first. After you have completed this "inventory" (i.e., self assesment/freflection), you should think about how you can use what you have to accomplish you're goal. At this point, you may have to revise your goal or s[Edited Out] it all together. This planning process can be done at either the personal or community level, but it's neccessary for success in any endevor. From the perspective of the ahira, this world is nothing but a "sharpening stone" designed to allow the indivdual to build/perfect themselves on their journey towards Allah (swa). So this turns the definitions of "success" or "failure" from a worldly perspective on it's head. Indeed, it's very possible that a "successful" community (from a worldly perspective) may benefit the indivdual community members less then a "failed" one. Also, the burden of leadership is a heavy one and many people who may be able to successfully "lead" a community may find that it does not benefit them in terms of the next life (for a variety of reasons, too complicated to go into now). It's also possible that, despite one's desire to be an active member of the community, it may actually benefit a person (and their family )more for that individual to "stay in their homes" and attend to the needs of their near and dear ones rather then the needs of the larger community....Allahu Alim.