There are truths and then there are truths.  The economic decline is a function of rapid technological change, and many of the ones working in older industries are finding themselves unequipped skill-wise and education-wise to participate in the new opportunities.   The unemployment partly results from the previous point, and partly by the transfer of much production to low-wage countries.  The out-of-control debt started with ideas about trickle-down benefits (that didn't happen), foreign adventurism in Iraq, Afganistan, Libya, and now Syria, and the massive diversion of funds to never-ending wars.  The political corruption has its roots in the need for massive warchests for any candidate planning to run for office, at whatever level.  Corporations funnel money to their preferred candidates, and every one else has to try to match.  By aligning themselves with the two parties, Americans are hating fellow Americans.  This can't be good.