I reject some of the premise of the article. Just because we can't build mega structures doesn't mean we can't effectively project power and defend ourselves.

I reject some of the premise of the article. Just because we can't build mega structures doesn't mean we can't effectively project power and defend ourselves. There hasn't been a conventional war in years; no amount of fighter jets or tanks will cause the Taliban to submit. That said, my opinion is that equally to blame as Wall Street is the schism between the military and the coasts, which house most of the country's intellectual power. It's hard to imagine today that the Bay Area was the center of defense R&D two generations ago. Today there is largely the perception that the U.S. military is acting in a manner counter to what we perceive ourselves to be as a liberal democracy. Evidenced by the recent Google and Amazon protests, knowledge workers bristle at the possibility of their work being used for purposes that aren't entirely positive. As far as I'm aware, the Chinese have no such hang-ups. Is it the fault of the military for appearing too evil, or is it the fault of progressives singing the siren song of non-aggression in a hostile world, who knows. Now, the part I agree with is the supply chain issues. I go out of my way to buy American and local whenever possible, even if it means a higher price, because I realize the importance of domestic production will play in a future where the U.S. isn't the undisputed leader of the world.