Why Fixing America’s Problems Must Be The Priority: A ZeroHedge Perspective
The comments below are an edited and abridged synopsis of an article by Michael Snyder, Zerohedge
The case for fixing America’s problems takes center stage as a critical national priority amid escalating social, economic and structural challenges facing the US. This article argues that policymakers and citizens alike must shift attention away from global ambitions and instead concentrate resources and effort on confronting the deep domestic crises now unfolding across the country.
The article begins with a stark assessment of America’s fiscal condition: US households are burdened with more than $18 trillion in debt and the federal government is carrying more than $38 trillion in obligations. Critics contend that this staggering debt load has been imposed on future generations and is now compounded by a host of worsening societal issues that demand urgent action rather than continued neglect.
Central to the argument for fixing America’s problems is the visible decay of major urban centers. Seattle is cited as a case study where local policy decisions have seemingly exacerbated crime, homelessness and public disorder, leading observers to declare that the city has transformed from a once‑beautiful urban hub into what some describe as a “crime‑ridden, drug‑infested” area. This example underscores the broader message that policies perceived as ineffective or ideologically driven have contributed to societal breakdown rather than solutions.
Beyond urban disorder, the article highlights incidents of lawlessness that span the nation, including a high‑profile break‑in at the residence of a US political figure, reflecting a broader erosion of order and respect for the rule of law. Such events are framed as symptomatic of deeper systemic dysfunction—reinforcing the urgency of fixing America’s problems before they worsen.
Economic indicators also paint a concerning picture. The piece notes that US manufacturing activity contracted for a tenth consecutive month, suggesting a prolonged drag on domestic production and industrial strength. Moreover, despite record‑high stock-market valuations, the number of corporate bankruptcies is rising, with more than 700 companies filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 between January and November 2025. These trends fuel the argument that surface‑level economic optimism masks deep underlying weaknesses that must be addressed if America is to regain resilience.
Small business closures and emerging signs of recession further reinforce the call for fixing America’s problems. The article references rising bankruptcies among everyday enterprises on Main Street, warning that these developments could foreshadow broader economic contraction that affects ordinary citizens most acutely. A recent survey cited in the article indicates that most Americans now believe the economy is worsening, with many expecting conditions to deteriorate further—a sentiment that contrasts sharply with official narratives of economic strength.
Labour market pressures compound these concerns, with more than 100 companies filing WARN notices for planned layoffs in January 2026, signaling potential job losses for thousands of workers. This surge in layoffs is used to illustrate the disconnect between often‑cited macroeconomic indicators and the real‑world experiences of average Americans whose livelihoods are increasingly precarious.
Throughout the discussion, the central theme of fixing America’s problems emphasizes pragmatic focus: Limited national resources should be directed toward remedying internal failures—including fiscal stability, infrastructure repair, public safety, economic revitalization, and social cohesion—rather than external priorities or distractions. In summary, Snyder argues that confronting the growing array of domestic challenges is not only sensible but necessary if the US hopes to sustain long‑term prosperity and social stability. The call for fixing America’s problems serves as a reminder that national strength begins with confronting and resolving its most pressing internal issues
