Is the AMERICAN DREAM truly unattainable - or simply undesired?

Question

From my experiences, the American Dream is alive and well. The Obama's talk as if it has become unattainable (even though they themselves mysteriously achieved it). But is it not lack of want or effort keeping people down?

If you strive to succeed is your (free, mind you) education, you work hard to build your career, and you choose not to indulge in excessive drugs and alcohol - isn't the American Dream a possibility and reality?

Answer 1

It is becoming more and more undesired because our government is picking up the slack.  Why work hard when there is a social program out there to take care of you.  We are becoming more like socialized Europe everyday.  Libs think this country is great because of the government and conservatives think its great because of the people.

Answer 2

Tribecas studies are frauds.    All economic data show that the United States is still the place to rise from rags to riches.  

Statistically is not harder to own a home, have a car and support kids.  However, people are working harder than ever before to do so, despite technology supposedly improving our lives.  More women than ever work and raise kids, and people work longer hours.  What gives?  Are we the first generation that will not be better off than our parents?  Yup, and it is because of increasing taxes, silly government policy and an increasing minority population.

Taxes, obviously make it harder to own a home.  Property taxes are a killer expense.  Our tax code encourages spending but taxes investing.  Poor people arent taxed as much as the rich, and that makes it harder to move up.  Taxes are increasing, so the american dream will be harder to attain in the future.  

Did i say minority population?  Am i therefore a racist living in some camp in montana?  NO!  Minorities in america are less likely to own homes and be in the middle class.  This could be partly because of racism.  But there is some data to consider.  Blacks spend more of their income and dont save as much as whites.  Blacks also are much more likely to pay rent than own a  home.  This keeps them poor and makes it harder for them to move up.  However, their spending helps the economy in general and pays their renters, so it makes the american dream easier for others.  

The good news is that the gap is narrowing between minorities and whites (and asians.)  More blacks are saving and owning homes.  They are earning more, too.  And the Best news is that their rates of graduation from college have improved hugely, so the future looks brighter too.  

Answer 3

Many people does not understand what the American dream is. Then, there are many who would rather do wants easy. Obama is working toward victims of fear and ingorance. People who do not want to take the risk to get a head. When the reason outweighs the excuses you will become sucessful.  

Answer 4

Supposedly it is more difficult to achieve today, but as long as it is possible, then the American dream exists.  Comparing it to the past is moot; I didn't experience trying to live the American dream then so I have nothing to compare the experience to.  All I know is I am trying to live it now and enjoying some success.

Answer 5

Too often today, it is undesired.  Some people don't want to have to work for what they get - they think it should just be handed to them.

I agree that if you strive to succeed, get a good education, work hard in your career, live within your means, be responsible and honest, the American dream is quite possible and realistic.

We are certainly not rich, and my husband and I both work hard at jobs we enjoy, we own a house, bought two cars outright (no car loans) and we set up a pre-paid college fund for our daughter when she was only 4.  If that's not the American Dream, I don't know what is.

Answer 6

We should probably define the American Dream before we go to far, but yes, it is very attainable if you work for it.

My wife and I own a small house in the suburbs, two cars, and all of the standard appliances. We have two daughters and a grand daughter. We both have jobs and we pay our bills. (We couldn't be any more typical!)

Do we have everything we want? No.

Do we have everything we need? Yes, I think we do.

Did it take us 25 years to get here? Yes, it did.

If the American dream is to have everthing you want and not have to earn it, then that's not realistic.

If the American drean is to provide a comfortable lifestyle for your family, then yes it is very attainable if you work for it.

Nothing comes for free,

Answer 7

I don't where you went to school but I've never gotten a free education.  I'm still paying for mine and keep getting the bill for other's.

Answer 8

it never left.

Answer 9

Statistics clearly show that the vast majority of people in the United States are going to wind up in the same socioeconomic class in which they were born.  There is more intergenerational upward mobility in countries such as France, Germany, the Scandanavian countries, etc.

Answer 10

Did you even watch last night or are you picking garbage off the top of your head?  

Answer 11

Remember the old adage

"It takes money to make money"

and it is even more true today.

Tell me about your bank account, the houses you own, your car collection. Bah. your just spinning your wheels.

Answer 12

The so-called American Dream is about as vague a term as all the other cliches thrown out by the Obamas.

My American dream is freedom.  I have that, except for confiscatory taxes.  There is no level of taxation that I could consider "fair."

Answer 13

The Left are also quick to bash those who actually do attain it.

Answer 14

it is attainable...but you must work for it..

nothing is free.. we pay for it all in the form of taxes..

obama promises everything to everyone..

anyone that thinks about it can see it is all smoke and mirrors