America the Shrunken

[n2doc]

Frank Bruni

NOT long ago I asked a good friend of mine — one of the smartest men I know, and one of the most devoted dads — if he thought that his children would live in a more prosperous America or at least enjoy the same bounty of opportunities that we had.

His response was instant and unequivocal. No.

“How do you make peace with that?” I said.

He shrugged, laughed bitterly and answered, “I’m hoping to leave them a lot of money.”

The American dream, 2014 edition: Squirrel away nuts for a leaner tomorrow. The worst is yet to come, so insure yourself against it if you’re among the lucky few who can.

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http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/04/opinion/sunday/bruni-america-the-shrunken.html

[Warpy]

1. We've gotten a bit shorter too

as we've been outgrown by Europeans who enjoyed the benefits of their various welfare states with national health insurance, generous paid maternity leave, decent pensions, decent vacation time every year. They're happier, healthier and taller.

My dad must have seen what your friend did since he left me enough money to live on.

[Spider Jerusalem]

2. Good

the USA has five percent of the world's population and consumes 20% of the world's oil and 30% of all resources. I don't really see any reason why this should continue or why anyone should expect it to.