Lee Smith is right that we are living in a failing regime  [“What Afghanistan Teaches Us About Our Ruling Class,” published on Sept. 15]. The elites’ response is to save themselves by making America the design capital of the world in areas like geopolitics, finance, technology, entertainment, and news. This maintains power in Washington, Wall Street, Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and the small number of corporations that control the news. As much of the actual work as possible, whether military or business and especially manufacturing with services following, is being shifted overseas. This benefits mostly China and various other countries of cheap labor. Meanwhile, the solution for the victims at home is some sort of welfare, which is why Universal Basic Income is being touted everywhere.   Roman Nykolyshyn California