Excelent article Kurt Andersen.

We don't have a happy nation. And that hurts everyone.

I think we made a grave error when we were enthusiastically globalizing. Although absolutely the way to go for U.S. growth and prosperity and the countries we were trading with. The problem was we were blind and cheap. We failed to notice that some across America had lost a road of aspiration. This condition came back to savage us in the form of Donald Trump. Although, he was only a very bad captain of a ship already taking water.

The "deplorables" (God, that ended her campaign) are still in fear and resentful towards others who were able to make their way through and up -- women, gays, Blacks, immigrants etc. Overwhelming spite has set in. David Brooks had an excelent op-ed kind of on this subject in the NYT Oct 14.

I don't think a total redistribution of America's wealth is neccessary -- or desirable. But the all important element of aspiration needs restoring. Not so much a safety net (although can also serve that function) but a substantial economic platform for all in America to achieve their best. With this, America could be more prosperous (and able to address pandemics and climate change) -- and be a hell of a lot happier.

Many thanks