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America is a class divided society. It is the world's strongest economy, yet according to the CIA World Fact Book 12.7% of Americans live below the poverty line. Another group of Americans tightly grips resources that could alleviate their plight. In 1998 the top 1% of the US population owned 38% of the wealth and the top 5% owned over 60 percent. (3) Since then the situation has become remarkably less equal. In such a situation, I think it is fair to ask if the American economy is worth protecting. It is not the case that the rest of us, those not in this ruling elite, have sat back and passively accepted this situation. The history of America has been one of the struggles of ordinary people against the injustices of the time. Today there are many active fights against the rule of the profiteers. Teachers and healthcare workers have been protesting and striking for more resources for the social sector. There are many struggles against the environmental racism of the energy industry, against the racist "criminal justice system", and against US militarism. There have been huge demonstrations for immigrant rights, and there is the potential for Civil Rights movement to emerge in post Katrina America - witness the march in Jena, Louisiana this year. These are the questions that animate me. This is the world that we live in.