Some people regard the growing income gap in the U.S. to be a potentially explosive social problem requiring solution, but David Francis reports that tax cuts that may be on the way will tend to exacerbate the problem , assuming that you think it's a problem.
People tend to rely heavily on tradition to reduce the feelings of chaos that can easily set in.
One of the defining attributes of the 21st century is likely to be powerful forces encouraging rapid change in most areas of life in conflict with traditions that have developed over many centuries. An example is the extent to which Islam and efforts on the part of Saudi Arabia to modernize and diversify its economy are in conflict with one another. Here's more from Howard Schneider reporting from Riyadh. The great David Broder of the Washington Post offers one perspective on America's growing diversity and its economic and political implications, particularly the growing political awareness of its most rapidly growing minority . There seems to be some confusion in China over what part of the human anatomy is used for thinking.