As I think about it this morning, I start with three American villains.

First, Donald Trump for destabilizing the world and turning Americans against each other.

Second, Rush Limbaugh for destroying the concept of truth.

Third, Atonin Scalia for his creation of the artificial concept of originalism, which turned American jurisprudence on its head.

Beyond these major villains, I blame (1) the opportunistic Republican Party for caving into the desires of those with the worst instincts, (2) the leadership of Congress for their total inability to work together for the benefit of the country and their failure to set appropriate priorities, (3) the right wing media for putting greed so far above truth, and (4) cultural, intellectual and religious leaders who have no concept of public responsibility or private morality.

It’s easy to name all the problems of the world, but hard to say that any of them are being solved. And now you know whom I blame.

It is sad, of course, to see how many Americans don’t see who the villains are,but it isn’t surprising. People throughout history have been duped by their leaders. There is no American exceptionalism at work here.