I understand the sarcasm. One thing I liked was the NYT's recent interview with (former General) McChrystal, who suggested making some form of service mandatory, not necessarily military but teaching, charity, and public works.

I don't believe these issues can be solved at the macro level. The US has many crumbling institutions and they are still ripe for the taking. Participate in volunteer events, the local FD, join the local Masons, or similar.

Engage with people directly, locally, even or especially with people who you assume hate you (they probably don't).