These basics define what it takes to survive and advance in our world, and those areas that allow for this to happen in the future will thrive. Those that don't will more than likely experience ongoing political turmoil and great economic and social challenges.

Areas that are unable to provide jobs that deliver the above are in trouble. There is growing anger, frustration, and turmoil almost everywhere in the globe when the above seven things are not doable via what a salary for a job delivers. In one word, it boils down to:  affordability. We hear that word spoken by economists and politicians of all stripes. We hear it from influencers. Anarchists. Churches and regular people on the street. The word affordability is everywhere, and it's not just a word. It has become a painful reality that even those with what some might consider a well-paying job are unable to afford the seven basics. The math just doesn't add up.

Costs have soared via inflation. Wages have not kept up. But the money is there. Some want to tax our way out of this while others wish to reduce taxes to fuel economic growth. So far, neither is working. New York City residents are the highest taxed of all US citizens with rent controls, stabilization and freezes for many and yet New York is one of the least affordable of all US cities. Whatever high taxes were supposed to deliver, it has not been delivered. At the opposite end of the spectrum, even low-tax states like Florida are seeing many people struggling with affordability

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Are we suffering the consequences of capitalism, socialism or corporatism? Governments that spend $30 million to open up a government-owned grocery store that should cost less than $10 million do not encourage confidence that the government is the solution. Spending the tax dollars gathered from all citizens, not just 'the rich', is just reckless and probably corrupt too. Corporations that saw profits soar 50% since 2019 while wages grew 30% may deliver some valuable insight. Capitalism generally works, although crony capitalism that lowers taxes (and loopholes for some) while fueling deficits may not be the answer either.   

We had better all roll up our sleeves very soon and get involved to resolve this with practical, real, tested solutions before it gets worse as these are supposed to be 'good' economic times.