It's true that redistributing income to the needy is politically easier in a growing economy than in a stagnant one.

Those at the top would do better with a smaller share of a booming economy that elicits a positive politics than they will do with an ever-larger share of an anemic economy that fuels the politics of anger.

Tax laws favor capital over labor, giving capital gains a lower rate than ordinary income. The rich get humongous mortgage interest deductions while renters get no deduction at all.

We also create income there that would spur demand for German products. And we integrate central and eastern Europe much more strongly in German economic developments than any other European country can and does.

I'd characterize the local economy as relatively strong over all. Commercial real estate, the securities industry, and thus personal income and tax revenues, and, to a lesser extent, the labor market are all showing signs of strengthening. The housing market has shown some signs of cooling recently, but remains pretty strong in terms of levels.

The average American person controls the economy and it all comes down to discretionary income.