Once the problem of handling fabric has been solved, the next question is how to sew it into the right shape.

ECONOMIST: Automated tailoring comes closer

On the first question, Mr Cardoso has a credibility problem: a year ago, when the real first came under attack and he announced a similar package, public spending subsequently rose.

ECONOMIST: Cracking the Brazil nuts

But it has not cracked the problem of inner-city poverty, nor the biggest social question of the age: how can an excluded social class find its way into the mainstream?

ECONOMIST: Chicago's current success may be about as good as it gets

Mr. KAGAN: Well, you know, there's no question that there has been, you know, the world has had a problem with the United States.

NPR: Role of U.S. Changing in New World Order