The “…great tragedy of the American political system” is not as you describe. The system is not designed to “focus” on any one issue or group, but to provide for “the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness” for us all. The emphasis is on “pursuit”. Too many of us expect legislation or executive action in DC to remedy the effects of profound, inevitable technological and economic changes sweeping across the globe. Remedy ain’a gonna happen. Stocking vegetables is a job that will not exist in the not-too-distant future.

If one is looking for someone to “blame”, then that person, IMO, perceives himself as a victim. Our country is the current amalgamation of descendants of tens of millions of immigrating “victims” who did not blame any one; they just “got on with it”.

The malaise you describe is the result of too many of us expecting too much, haven given too much to Washington, DC. Individuals — acting in their own best-determined, self-determined best interest — made the USA great. Individuals will continue to make it great.