After years of high school, university and self study of economics, I feel that the most important aspect that is missing in economics studies is HUMANITY. In other words, how does our economic model (ie: capitalism) impact upon our society and others around the world in HUMAN terms? If we discuss the humanity in economics (or more often, the lack thereof), we realize that the "free market" model pushed by Friedman not only had zero interest in the human cost of this model, but it led to the deaths of thousands of innocent people in Latin America in the 70s (read The Shock Doctrine, by Naomi Klein for details). The other element missing in the study of economics, and what we should discuss with our children is the element of GREED and CORRUPTION, which makes any economic model inefficient because it comes down to the few with the money and power controlling the decisions that affect the masses. This is the antithesis of the "democracy" that we like to believe we are living in America. For one of the most POSITVE solutions to our economic crisis, I would encourage every family to read the book CRADLE TO CRADLE, written by visionary architect William McDonough. It is nothing less than a roadmap for the Next Industrial Revolution. McDonough consulted with Bill Ford to revamp the legendary River Rouge auto plant, with the mission to "create a place where children could play". The fact is, that he has done exactly that. Economics should be linked to a responsibility of each of us in this lifetime to leave the world a bit better than we found it. Today is a perfect opportunity to get us back on track.