Readwulf is correct, nothing works in a capitalist society in decline.

The only way is down and the US will follow shortly. The reason that we lead the fall, is that our society is more benefit ridden and entitlement smothered than the US.
Our "liberal progressives" have created a society which can no longer afford to employ,or educate our youth, look after our senior citizens, or compete in the global marketplace.
We have priced ourselves out of existance, we are lazy, obese and dumb, we dont even want to think for ourselves any more

Capitalism has that effect on the populace eventually, but I dont suppose anyone here has the balls to jump off.