In many ways, though it was Christmas, the nation was sad. Racked by a recent severe recession, the country faced a public health menace of epidemic proportions. There was widespread hunger and a seemingly uncontrolled entry of a large number of immigrants trying to escape grinding poverty. To top it off, there had been rioting in major cities to the point that the military was called on to maintain peace.

No, I am not talking about America in 2020.