Ultimately, it's an internal battle. A battle of bureaucracy+ignorance vs democracy+optimism+innovation. The side that weighs more wins. And the adversaries are hoping it's the former.
Irrespective of the political leadership, it's unlikely that USA military is completely oblivious about the new modes of wars - cheap drones, AI, rapid build-outs (e.g. in China). On the contrary, they are likely deeply aware of it. That being said, it is also likely true that USA has become more bureaucratic and there is a high chance of deer-in-headlights situation. USA remains the shining city on the hill, though probably not for long, unless we pull up socks and innovate, work, work, work and build, build and build.
I have never had any brush with the giant. But I have my own little story to share. Way back in 1998, I was a newly minted engineer in India and was visiting Bangalore. While roaming around on MG Road, I picked up a book named “Inside Intel”. It is through that book that I learned about Gordon Moore. On the 48 hour train journey back to Delhi, I devoured the book. It left an impression and I was in awe. It also ignited something in me. I wanted to become a better engineer, so I bought my first computer soon after. I wanted to be in the “Silicon Valley”. As the fate would have it, 3 years later, I landed there. Little did I know that this serendipity and random inspiration would weave my life story. I remain awestruck with the person and the impact that he left. RIP
Unfortunately, personal finance has been strange as far as innovation is concerned. Mostly it has regressed (negative innovation?). I haven't encountered a single service that has managed to even come close to the depth and breadth of decades old Microsoft Money. MS Money supported budgeting, bills, cashflow forecast, investment portfolio, performance, allocations, comparative reporting etc. All with a incredible depth. Despite all its faults, MS built an incredible product, just that it didn't move their bottom line. It was a sad moment when they discontinued it.
Today I like Personal Capital. But it lacks breadth. Solid Portfolio tracking, Retirement Planner. Shallow budgeting, bill tracking, cash flow.
Not sure why I would buy a Model Y. I love this thing. It feels safer, carries 6 people and is a full utility. And all of that with gorgeously edgy styling. Can we please move this up before the Model Y Tesla?