Just a life-philosophy question: In our limited time-span to be on this planet, is accumulating money - and the things it can buy to impress others also having no deeper philosophy - the sole and ultimate driving force of American life? 
I have never understood how that goal has come to replace self-discovery, life-long learning and bonding-contributing as THE chosen mountain to be conquered before we die... It often seems to drive out anything else of deeper and more satisfying value ... Just a thought..