Mr Pearson rightly points out that Babylon the Great has to represent some existing country that has the same characteristics of the old Babylon and USA does fit the profile and is known by Lady Liberty. Rev.17:18 says The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth. Only New York can still fit that bill. USA still most influential country in the world The US dollar standard currency for international trade,largest economy, largest military etc.
I tend to believe what he is saying and he has unraveled the mystery of Babylon the Great (Rev.17:5)
As for the Rapture I believe the strongest proof that believers will not go through the Tribulation is 1Thessalonians 5:9 'For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through Christ Jesus ' other places John 3:36 Roman's 5:9--13 Believers must be taken out to escape his wrath and as John 3:36 states "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life BUT whoever rejects the Son will not see life for God's WRATH remains on him"