   Relative importance of the economy (USA context)
  In ye good olde day of about 10 years ago where I live (see my location), movies did not have ads before them.  They had previews, but those are not general advertisements.  They also had movie trivia and the like, which they still have.  But now in addition there are advertisments all over the pre-movie time.  Its loaded as full as possible usually.  On one hand, you have a boost to the economy because ad agencies and their employees get more money.  Also the produces of products/services get more money from the publicity (otherwise they wouldnt pay for the ad.)On the other hand, for reasons I cannot explain, advertisements are unpleasant (for me anyway, and I assume others).  Maybe it is because they are everywhere.  Or maybe because they are aggressive.  They are slick, clever, and everything except subliminal they can be to make you do what they want you to (buy stuff).  I feel they are very harsh.What is more important.  Is a stronger economy worth a somewhat more unpleasant world (but materially rich).  Are we sacrificing the "spiritual", which I will define as the overall texture of living, how you feel about your fellow humans, how people interact, etc.I do not think a strong economy is nescesarily exlusive to "spirituality", but the way we in the States are going, it seems to be.  Things seem to be a little less personal.  Like how business here is going to fewer larger companies, as opposed to more smaller ones.  That sort of attitude.Hopefully I got my point across, I found my vocabulary lacking to describe exactly what I intend.Summary:  Is the economy so important that it should overshadow all other elements in living?  If not, where should the line be drawn.Or am I just full of it?   
  IMO as with almost everything else in life and nature, it is cyclical. Economics may take precedence over everything else, and then when people realize that doesn't create a better life experience, spirituality will take the lead. Big companies will dominate, and then disappoint, at which time small companies will prosper.Life is a giant pendulum.   