FP,
I really don't think it's quite as depressing as you make it out to be, but yes our situation is depressing.
Our federal government's job is to govern and protect, not to provide food, housing, schooling, etc.
The problem we face is that all government, under both party's leadership has grown too large and powerful, and now it needs to be governed. Also a great deal of the voting public has become accustomed to being provided for, and they are more than willing to make a deal with the "Devil", who is their provider.

I think that I'm going to watch that dog video again; it makes me feel good.