Our society has transitioned to a very short-term mindset. Quarterly profits and shareholder reports matter more than long-term stability. People on the left want to blame some vague idea of "late-stage capitalism," while those on the right seek scapegoats in dastardly foreigners. Immigrants and trade deficits are the problem because... reasons! However, free markets did not create those incentive structures, and trade deficits are not the same as debt.