Nebuchadnezzar, I agree with your post. The US has been living a phony economy since Reagan got in office. The US has been doing nothing but borrowing money from future generations to now fund things such as illegal immigrants. give huge pay to those who vote for liberals, support overpaid unions by mandating federal construction projects be done by those unions, thousands of unfunded mandates sent to states. And on and on forever.
Me, I am not a Reagan fan, don't care if Justified calls me names. Reagan's words were conservative, but his actions were liberal. Just look at charts 2,3 and 4 below. But, under Reagan the borrowing from future generations began in earnest. And under Obama, OMG OMG OMG, the theft from future generations began to even steal from college kids as most are not aware than tuition is so high because of vastly increased scholarships to the underprivileged, besides obnoxious pay to those involved in college administration.. And we are now funding immigrants like never before with future generations money, unlike the 1800's and first half of the 1900's where there was no welfare or food stamps.
I don't see anyway out but for economic collapse. A country is no different than an individual. If you or I live high on the hog and amass huge debt we can no longer pay for it, you and I will go BK. The US will too. And spoiled US citizens will demand more from the problem, but won't get it this time.