Thus The New York Times today. “Whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families,” the newspaper quotes from the president’s state of the union address, “that’s what I’m going to do.” The economic gap between the rich and poor is in the focus at last. Screw democracy, too. Would that the whole world also had a president bent on eradicating the economic gap. Once again, screw the world congress. Such a president would have tough time doing anything worth bragging about, but at least the poor would not be shoved under the proverbial rug any longer. Pure idealism, to be sure. Returning to Barack Obama, though, I worry about his survival. And I am not talking about political survival. For the economic gap is at the very heart of capitalism. Reduce it at your peril, no matter how powerful you may be.