> A high fraction of college attendance is better correlated with the 21st century decline in America's situation.

Correlation != causation, but let’s go the correlation route and see where it goes…

China had correlation between higher-ed and economic growth, so I think you’re just trying to make an argument to support a fascist dictator who doesn’t want to be the dumbest person in the room.

The decline in Christianity, rise in apathy, rise of industry in other countries, offensive wars, rise of entertainment culture, etc. are correlated also.

One could also argue that the rise of uneducated conservatives was associated with U.S. decline.