The American Dream

**Cross-posted at Right in a Left World*

What The American Dream means to each of us is as varied as the citizens of this nation. For some, pursuit and realization of that dream comes as the result of years of hardship and personal sacrifice; for others, it is a golden peach ripe for the picking - and comes at another person's expense. It all depends upon your personal aspirations and political ideologies.

The latest assault comes in the form of mad-dog socialism dressed in top hat and tails, an ideal Americans can look upon with hope and in the spirit of change: A friend in need is a friend indeed, even if not in deed. Just ignore the foaming mouth, no danger here; that is just those right-wingers trying to distract you.

From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs. I once read that over time, ability turns into a liability and need into an asset. How is this truly a viable economic system, being built upon great disincentives to produce and even greater incentives to consume?

Today, my friend Angi posted an amazing perspective on The American Dream and how easily it can be shattered - not only for the dreamer but for others at the core and at the periphery of that dream: American Company, Inc.

As you sow, so shall you reap.

A Democrat and a Republican are walking down the street when they come across a homeless person. The Republican hands him his business card and says, "Call me tomorrow and I'll help you find a job." Then he reaches into his wallet, pulls out twenty dollars, and gives it to the man.

The two walk on and come across another homeless person. Impressed by his Republican friend, the Democrat stops and gives the man directions to the welfare office. He reaches into the Republican's wallet, pulls out twenty dollars, gives five to the homeless person and keeps fifteen for administrative costs.

Capitalism is wrong. It is destructive, immoral.... a failure.... the source of all corruption. It must be abolished. It is most unfortunate for capitalism that we have not actually operated under this system for decades. We appeared to do so, and that is close enough for government work. Of course, it is all well and good that those who wish to spread the wealth ensured their ability to have their fair share of the pie - as well as yours and mine - before demanding what remains be cut into smaller and smaller slices, to be divided unequally amongst us. Eventually we will be cutting air, the pieces handed around nothing more than imagination of a taste to whet the appetite, the aroma of pie still lingering in the air.

As you sow, so shall you reap.

It was the most memorable time of my life. It was a touching moment, because I never thought this day would ever happen. I won't have to worry about putting gas in my car. I won't have to worry about paying my mortgage. You know, if I help him, he's gonna help me. --Peggy Joseph

As you sow, so shall you reap.

For the first time in my adult lifetime, I'm really proud of my country. --Michelle Obama

As you sow, so shall you reap.

I need you to go out and talk to your friends and talk to your neighbors. I want you to talk to them whether they are Independent or whether they are Republican. I want you to argue with them and get in their face. --Barack Obama

Each has realized their own version of The American Dream. Peggy has no need to worry about paying for her gas and mortgage, because she helped Barack and now he will help her - force those earning over $250,000 a year to pay their own way - and hers, too. Michelle can find yet another reason to be proud of her country, knowing one more African-American has cast aside the oppressive bonds of a market rooted in the evils of capitalism. And.... Barack has enchanted his "ambassadors" into willfully setting aside their own (and forcibly seize ours) fundamental rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It all depends upon your personal aspirations and political ideologies.