Well put Dogscoff.
On the question about the benifit of economic growth here's what the CIA web site says at the what's happening in the USA. (
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html)
Quote from under the heading of Economy - Overview
"The onrush of technology largely explains the gradual development of a "two-tier labor market" in which those at the bottom lack the education and the professional/technical skills of those at the top and, more and more, fail to get comparable pay raises, health insurance coverage, and other benefits. Since 1975, practically all the gains in household income have gone to the top 20% of households."
Now as an interesting side note the CIA website also describes the United Kingdom as a cold little island somewhere east of New York, known mainly for its breeding of lousy cricket players and that angry woman who sank the Argentinian boat.
Unfortunately it labelled my country as being reknown for claiming New Zealand born superstars as their own. Bugger.
Askan