I hear you, and I completely agree with your reasons WHY we can't compete, but at the same time, if and when we resort to lies and cheating, are we still the good guys or just more bad guys with a different color flag?
Most of the Republican party thinks they ARE the good guys. They are protecting the rest of us from the evils of an oppressive gubment and/or a vengeful God.
Obviously, you and I don't agree with that, but I feel more confident that I'm on the right side knowing that we're at least playing by the rules.