You may, of course, put me into the basket of the gullible, the overly simplistic, and the hypocritical, because I am a Born Again

Bible Believing Christian... I understand. Still and all, I am not with the MAGA group but am absolutely opposed to them. Nevertheless, let me say that your essay - incidentally or accidentally - finds the parallels in the Bible Book of Revelations. The description of Babylon the Great - Revelation 17 mirrors our current situation. The remedy - beginning with individuals, as you seem to imply is also in the Bible's many instructions. One of my favorites for these times is found in 2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."