Good article, if somewhat flabby (too long and broad).
We do need to get back to where we were, if we are to survive as a nation. Unfortunately we're unlikely to get there without a strong authoritarian government taking drastic measures, and that's never going to happen.
I am reminded of the story of Lot, who rather than commit inhospitality, offered the savages his virgin daughters to spare his guests.
But our guests are not angels...
Government spending makes things worse by picking winners and losers. They are both jobs programs for the politically active and social programs for the poor. The winners are organized in political parties and unions. They cop the attitude, "I got mine, now you get yours". While the rank and file feel as if they are victims of the poor teachers, cops, and social workers who plague their lives and make them more miserable. That's why Sharpton can organize a protest against police brutality even when the cops are black.