The United States in 2012: Triumphs and Challenges

I. TriumphsA. American Affluence and Wealth

B. Public Education and Social Mobility

C. The Bill of Rights: Free Speech and Press

2008 Index of Freedom

Life Expectancy (2008)

D. Technology: Longer and Better Lives

E. Immigration: People Want to Come Here

II. Challenges

Index of Inequality (2008)

A. Economic Challenges: Unemployment and Inequality

Evolution of Relative Wages, by Education Level, 1973 to 2005

B. Foreign Policy Challenges: Iraq and America’s Image

C. Racial/Ethnic Challenges: The Race Gap

Life Expectancy

D. Challenges to the Family: Working Women, Deadbeat Dads

E. Environmental Challenges: Will You Live to Be A Grandparent?

World Population Growth