Americans have heard years of assurances about our military achievements in the Islamic world, but it seems we're on a multitrillion-dollar bridge to nowhere.

 A study finds widening gaps in longevity between people at the far ends of the economic ladder. That means high earners are reaping more and more of the benefits of Social Security.

Whether or not you get ahead in 21st century America depends on where you started.

With soldiers in Iraq making a base pay of as little as about $1300 per month, are America's service men and women worrying about their families affording their basic needs back home?