The last thing the US needs is economic growth. It has been doing that for decades and become the wealthiest developed country. And the least attractive developed country in which to live.

Pickett and Wilkinson showed in their strangely titled book " The Spirit Level" that living conditions in developed countries do not correlate with wealth GNP/person. Living conditions do correlate with income inequality. No explanation but the data is solid. Starting with the US and Portugal where income inequality is high, and living conditions poor, to Sweden and Japan where income inequality is low and living conditions the best in the developed world. 

It seems only reasonable that there should be no massive spread in income between the rich and poor. A spread certainly but not unlimited. Only fair. And with their book, Wilkinson and Pickett show that there is a benefit to all from low income inequality.   

A challenge for the business community: how to decrease income inequality.