I'm sure their plan is no more thought out than what people expecting the Rapture to be. Nothing to worry about, detail wise, to them. It's just a milestone to get to, so things will get on track as they should be.
Are there people who will benefit either way? Sure, there's always winners and losers, and most of them will have had no idea they are playing at all. That doesn't prove nefarious intent or action or effectiveness. Just varying levels of opportunism.
We are on a historical trajectory that is due to our cultural make up and the content of our collective character. If they American people need a villain, they need look no further than their own mirror.
I think you speak a lot of truth. Our minds have a need to imagine a hidden force behind things, to try to work out a motivating or empowering force. It has to do with our need to seek order, it may have nothing to do with reality. It’s just mental comfort.
There are lots and lots of disaffected people out there. Some go so far as to be our overt enemies. Out of envy, some would be proud to see the system collapse, never mind that the greatest likelihood is that the rubble would fall on them. Some just regard our traditions and laws and morals and principles as nothing worthwhile nor special and couldn’t care less if they happen to see them fall into disrepair and collapse. Why the heck should capitalism be any better than socialism or Marxism or Pol Potism, we’ve tried capitalism and I didn’t get squat so what do I care?
You’re absolutely right: character matters.