Depravity

The Protestant ethic once defined the American character. It was held to be responsible for the success of Capitalism in Northern Europe and America by sociologists, but the Protestant ethic and Capitalism are incompatible, and Capitalism ultimately caused the Protestant ethic to be abandoned.

A new ethos emerged that the governing elite completely misunderstands. It is the ethos of the "big break," the "jackpot," the "next big idea." The slow and deliberate road to success is now anathema. Coming up with the next big commercial idea is the new model of the American dream. All that matters is the money. Given that attitude, few in America express moral concerns. Wealth is its own reward; it's even worth destroying ourselves for. And if we haven't done it yet, we surely soon will.
~ from America's Descent to Depravity by Prof. John Kozy ~

If you have the time, I urge you to read the entire essay. It's very eye-opening!