Great post.
Without question, our greatest prosperity occurred in the post-war period, which started with the fact that we were the "last man standing" economically.
Not only did we spend like crazy during the war, we spent like crazy for the next 50 years, even while servicing our war debt.
We essentially re-created Europe in our own image.
Yes, some of that was quite wrongheaded in terms of anti-Communist adventurism, culminating in Vietnam, but maybe actually worse in South and Central America.
Europe is more culturally and economically aligned with us than Russia or China has ever been, and that doesn't mean white people.
To take the Trump view that our expenditure abroad needs to have some cash quid pro quo is naive and stupid.
Yes, we should be more measured in our active involvement abroad, but sending money and in-kind aid is how you become and stay a world power.
You think China is investing heavily in Africa and South America for shits n giggles?