No, it's not hopeless. I bought into the Free Trade argument under Reagan, because of the Smoot-Hawley history fiasco. But, as an Engineer, I have to respect empirical data over theory. "Free Trade" hasn't been fair trade, thanks to currency manipulation and non-tariff barriers, amongst other things. I don't think it's benefitting anyone in the US long term, except for the legal profession.
Having said that, I think there's still hope, but the country has to get off its collective hindquarters and restore innovation to its formerly enshrined postion in our society. That means valuing both the innovations from basic and applied science, as well as the people who do the work.
About fifty years ago, the Kremlin kicked our butt with Sputnik. It hurt, and we had enough societal pride to go out and do something about it. It's time again.
YOU SAID..."Having said that, I think there's still hope, but the country has to get off its collective hindquarters and restore innovation to its formerly enshrined postion in our society......."
Amen...coudn't have said it better.