A mind-destroying educational system. Bankrupt socialist welfare programs, including Social Security and Medicare. A highly regulated and controlled society. Vicious trade wars. A decades-old immigration crisis. Invasions and occupations. Coups. Torture. Indefinite detention. Fomentation of foreign crises and wars. Deadly sanctions and embargoes against foreigners. Irrational mass killings within the United States.

It's just all part of the rot at the center of the U.S. government that is slowly but surely taking our country down, from within. The problem, however, is that all too many Americans do not want to face this. It's much too painful and even scary for them to do so.

What is the response of U.S. officials to this rot? Distractions and scapegoats.