The Decline of America: A Systemic Crisis
America is facing a profound crisis, both domestically and globally. This decline is not just a matter of politics or economics; it’s a systemic issue that has been quietly unraveling for decades. While many have attempted to explain the reasons behind this turmoil, one critical factor often goes unmentioned: the influence of billionaires on American society and governance.
David French, in his thought-provoking op-ed titled “The Fire of Stupidity Can’t Be Contained,” highlights the symptoms of national decline and questions why these issues are emerging now. He suggests that a lack of historical awareness—particularly regarding the horrors of fascism and communism—has led to an alarming fascination with these ideologies among younger generations.
Katy Tur, during her MSNOW show, echoed similar concerns, wondering what has caused such a deep rift in the country. Could it be a lack of education about history, economic challenges, or the rise of demagogues like Donald Trump?
While there are countless analyses on these topics, the most obvious answer often gets overlooked: it’s the billionaires, stupid.
The New Deal and the Rise of the Middle Class
When Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in 1933, America was in dire straits. A third of the population was unemployed, and only 20% were in the middle class. FDR, along with Eleanor Roosevelt and Labor Secretary Francis Perkins, initiated a transformative agenda that included legalizing unions, restoring high income tax rates, creating government jobs, and implementing social safety nets like Social Security and unemployment insurance.
This approach led to a dramatic improvement. By 1981, when Ronald Reagan became president, two-thirds of Americans were in the middle class, able to afford homes, cars, vacations, and college education with a single paycheck.
However, this progress faced constant opposition from wealthy oligarchs who resented the regulations and taxes that limited their profits. Their efforts culminated in the 1971 Lewis Powell Memo, which outlined a strategy to reshape public opinion through think tanks, media control, and court influence.
The Billionaire Influence on Politics and Society
The Powell Memo inspired a movement that would shape American politics for decades. Wealthy individuals funded right-wing media, universities, and judicial appointments, promoting the idea that government was the problem rather than the solution. This narrative resonated with people disillusioned by the Vietnam War and economic struggles, leading to a significant drop in trust in government.
Reagan’s policies further accelerated this shift. His declaration that “government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem” encapsulated the billionaire disdain for regulation and taxation. This ideology led to the erosion of unions, tax cuts for the wealthy, and deregulation that allowed corporations to dominate the political landscape.
The Supreme Court decisions in cases like Bellotti and Citizens United enabled billionaires and corporations to buy influence in elections, effectively turning the democratic process into a marketplace where the highest bidder wins.
The Consequences of Reaganomics
Over the past 45 years, the impact of Reaganomics has been devastating. The middle class has shrunk to around 43%, and it now takes two full-time jobs to live as comfortably as one could in 1981. Government services have been cut, with federal agencies experiencing massive staff reductions, affecting everything from education to healthcare.
In 2025, the federal civilian workforce shrank by over 300,000 employees, and key departments like the Education Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development saw drastic staffing cuts. These reductions have left citizens struggling with long wait times and reduced access to essential services.
Meanwhile, billionaires continue to invest in their own security, with many relocating to countries like Argentina or building underground bunkers in places like Hawaii. This trend reflects a growing disconnect between the elite and the general population.
The Lack of Civic Education
A significant contributing factor to this crisis is the lack of civic education. Two generations have grown up without a solid understanding of how government functions in a democracy. Only 1 in 20 Americans can name the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment, and a third cannot identify the three branches of government.
This ignorance leaves people vulnerable to misinformation and more susceptible to extremist ideologies, including fascism and communism.
The Real Answer
So, the next time someone asks why America is in such a mess, it’s important to remember the real answer: “It’s the billionaires, stupid.” The concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few has led to the erosion of democracy, the decline of the middle class, and a deepening sense of despair among ordinary citizens.
As the country continues to grapple with these challenges, it’s clear that addressing the influence of the billionaire class is essential to restoring faith in government and rebuilding a more equitable society.
