We got hit big by terrorism. Now our rulers (if you want think in terms of class warfare) get to benefit from a harmonic convergence. While the mass of Americans have their eye on national security, our war on terror, our war to depose Saddam, the ruling class is becoming richer. The prime mechanism being importing people (legal, illegal) and deporting factories, manufacturing technology and jobs.
WHO BENEFITS? Follow the money, sonny.
Meanwhile the lawyer class are the buzzards who pick at the carcass.
I support the war on terror. Americans trust in government in such perilous times. Lousy economy makes them seek refuge in "government" via welfare and government employment schemes (socialism). Meanwhile the ruling class takes advantage of this fear, upheaval to become richer.
Another plus for the ruling class is military retention and recruitment become much easier when the economy sucks. Thus easier to make war and rally the American people to your side.
A whole lot of teh money trail is leading to the people's Republic of China. There are of course payoffs all along the way. CEO's get theirs, India gets some of it. etc.