I don't know if it was ever possible to reform a society based on genocide, slavery and patriarchy into a just and equitable one. I do think there was sincere effort on the part of some US politicians to make this happen.
I think the people who wanted to make that effort have too often taken no for an answer. And the ones who wanted to maintain an unjust society have used the creaky mechanisms of the Constitution against reform.
So I'm somewhat agree. Was moving better for while, never good.