If you view capitalism as a simulacrum of reproducing oneself then Floyd Norris’ chart of Durable Goods Production from the U.S. economy may help clarify the American identity. The military side of the American economy appears to be expanding enormously, while nonmilitary production and exports have been in steep decline. It appears America is relying on the Military Industrial Complex to pull it out of this recession. 

[ NYT: "Why a Recovery May Still Feel Like a Recession" ]

Thomas Economics