Never attribute to stupidity what can be attributed to self-interest. It sure looks stupid when you look at America or the Roman Empire as a whole. But when you look at the specific individuals doing these "stupid" things, and the individuals enabling them, it is perfectly aligned with their own best interests.

Yes, but as a nation, we are stupid to go along with it.

It's almost as if acting solely in one's own self-interest is stupid.

and your point?