All want to be or have more. Often our “happiness” is fueled by the expectation or hope that we can progress toward our “dreams.” The USA, with our resources, and within the framework of freedom established by our constitution, for many years was an arena where hopes could be realized. Is it still?

Marxist economist Richard Wolff, son of German Jewish emigres, points to the change since about 1970 in purchasing power of working and middle class people. The 100-year trend of increasing purchasing power reversed. Wealth, he argues, has concentrated in the few at the top, with opportunities for others limited or stagnant. This is the large picture in which we should look at political developments, frustration of “middle” Americans —and the social anger, antisemitism, scapegoating of immigrants and Jews…

Wolff points out that the Russian economy is $1.5 trillion, ours is $34T, China’s is $17T. Thus economically Russia is not a threat to us, but China is a competitor. This is the larger picture of the landscape.

Social turmoil is “about the economy, stupid.” Government should not be about individuals’ spiritual salvation. But government plays a role in creating conditions for personal development. “No bread, no Torah.” But also, “”No Torah, no bread.”

This is our challenge.