He has also written a book on American discontent, The United States of Anger.

BBC: Gavin Esler

By listing some of Wal-Mart's ever-multiplying faults, you have at least performed two valuable services: reminding those of us with a conscience why we never shop there and reminding your non-American readers that America's growing discontent with Wal-Mart indicates that they are not quite the ravenous consumer zombies of popular belief.

ECONOMIST: Under new management

This is a testy time in American life, with all kinds of candidates emerging to express discontent with the country's political class.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Discontent with this state of affairs is no monopoly of the rugged American: some Europeans are worried too.

ECONOMIST: America, Europe and the management of danger: A hazardous comparison | The