You can trust the economist about the same amount as the 'scientist' making all the prophecies on climate change. They just don't know despite their High Priests making huge profits from pretending they do. Has anyone checked their superannuation lately? The Professionals have certainly done a good job. Sticking your money into thieving banks would of given you a lot better return.

*The word "need" has lost its meaning; needs are now manufactured. There's no need for them!*

Squeers, that is a purely subjective question and up to the
individual to decide. Its really not up to you or the Govt to
answer for others.

Yabby,

"...up to the individual to decide..."

Yeah, sure : )

That's why the advertising industry exists - to alert us to the things we "need".

The model may be fine on paper, but breaks down in reality.

What should benefit the population is often taken away by those at the top of the political system, or those at the top of corporations.

When Russia finished the Cold War, it would be thought that the Russian people would benefit because they could enjoy more free trade with the rest of the world.

However, it now appears that Vladimir Putin may have become Europe’s wealthiest man, (with $40 billion), due to owning large numbers of shares in several major Russian companies, while the wealth of most people in Russia has hardly changed.

The trickle down effect can take a very, very long time, or never occur at all.

*Yeah, sure : )*

Actually Poirot, its quite rational. If some can breed like
rabbits, then others can consume what they want. Or do
you plan to limit breeding now?

Yabby,

Well, it's true that 300 million Americans consume the equivalent resources to 2.3 billion people in developing countries - no doubt, due to their very "rational" needs.