As the 21st century began, Americans appeared to have every reason to consider themselves the most fortunate citizens in the world.  Though there are problems in virtually every sector of our society, resolutions are still within our reach and capabilities. Although the abundant nonrenewable natural resources our forebears found for the taking have largely been...

As the federal Fiscal Year 2005 approaches completion and the 2006 budget takes shape, the lack of fiscal discipline of the George W. Bush presidency continues to enlarge upon the “politics of joy,” which have characterized the Republican Party since the end of World War II.  No longer aspiring to be the party of frugality...

Holding a green piece of paper decorated with patriotic symbols as a proxy for economic value is an act of faith.  To do so with the currency of your own country is a necessary act of faith, since daily life requires it in order to make economic transactions.  But to hold sizable amounts of the...