Chuck, I think that you have a handle on the situation.
Does anyone remember the novel "The Ugly American"? It's been many, many years since I read that book, but if I remember correctly, the theme of the story is that as we go throughout foreign lands, the people smile at us and shake our hands and take our money while hating us behind our back. All because we try to buy their friendship, loyalty and allegiance by investing in their industries, or by just plain shoving money at them. The end theme of the book is that our politicians and leaders are too dumb to recognize that it doesn't work and that sincerity and compassion might work a whole lot better.
Nothing much has changed, has it?
Cheers to all in the New Year.
Walt