Putin's Ambitions. Americans aren't comfortable with what's taking place in our schools, in our streets, and even in our own homes. Maybe the propagandists can keep the public believing everything is all right, but that can only last for so long until an atmosphere of distrust takes hold. A country willing to enter a war with a strong adversary must be healthy and prepared for sacrifice. America can't commit to a major conflict because of its own internal dysfunction. We're an impotent giant, corrupted by our own demands for wanting more. The selling off of America's resources to pay our debts.