Thank you for your thoughtful and passionate response, Tom.

You're correct; Mom and Pop shops are put out of business by bigger stores that are more attractive to customers. If this didn't happen, we would still be buying at the butcher, baker, fish, and dairy stores instead of the supermarket. Which would you prefer?

Owning or renting is a financial mechanism with autos; if housing moves in the same direction, we may be better off.

A chunk of what you are referring to is the income disparity which is an enormous problem in the U.S. This can be addressed, but it has little to do with Starbucks or Home Depot.

I invite you to read "Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! Cry the Politicians" and would welcome your comments.

Best.