America has been shaken by the pandemic, terrorism, the Great Recession, and political gridlock, but we remain dominant in economic, military, and international affairs. The U.S. ranks first in the world in economic competitiveness (a measure of business climate, innovation, strength of public institutions, and so forth).18 Particular United States strengths include our labor market, financial system, and entrepreneurial culture. In advising its clients, Goldman Sachs a few years ago pointed to America’s attractiveness to investors: the nation’s vast natural resources (especially oil, gas, and arable land), a workforce that is younger and more energetic than those of our chief rivals, and our continuing leadership in innovation. 

Questions 

1. Critics argue that the growing economic gap between the wealthy and all other Americans has resulted in a “rigged” economy that unfairly favors the wealthy and the big corporations. 

a. Do you agree? Explain. 

b. Does that economic gap threaten American democracy? Explain. 

2. Quoting a fourth-century bishop, Pope Francis in 2015 referred to the unfettered pursuit of money as “the dung of the devil,” but some months thereafter he referred to business as “a noble vocation, directed to producing wealth and improving the world.”21 As you study business, do you think you are primarily preparing yourself for an honorable, productive role in life or for the “evil” pursuit of money? Explain.