We became a country that used its wealth to bear some moral responsibility for those among us that had it a bit tougher.

FORBES: Ron Paul Pushes Financial Crack To America's Working Youth

The big uncertainty is what will happen to consumers' spending if a bear market robs them of some of this new wealth.

ECONOMIST: A wobble down Wall Street

If you had bought stocks 35 years ago you would have multiplied your wealth ninefold--this despite inflation and despite the ferocious bear market near the beginning of your adventure.

FORBES: The Harder They Come

Is it still possible to build wealth amid the gloom of a war, a recession and a bear market?

FORBES: Prospering in Tough Times

These and dozens of other government investment vehicles from the Gulf states to the Far East are the pools of wealth that have become a source of rescue capital for troubled financial giants like UBS , Citigroup and Bear Stearns .

FORBES: Rich Countries Funding Big Banks