From Commentary, an article on crime, drugs, welfare—and other good news. How do Americans feel about the economy? Four writers provide snapshots of their local economies. From Newsweek, Robert Samuelson on The (Impossible) American Dream. Winning the rat race by quitting it: You may not know it, but you want to avoid the upcoming crush of Christmas consumerism — let Thanksgiving be your guide. The Insatiable Consumer: Ignore the naysayers — nothing can stop the American holiday shopper. Luxury brand executives are not selling "dreams", as they like to suggest; they are hawking low-cost, high-profit items wrapped in logos. Robert Kuttner on the future of the corporation. Forget about startups, says Intel's co-founder Andy Grove: It's large companies that generate real change: Apple upended the music

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