4 of 35

Write now Article Tools

Is the American dream open to everyone? Dreamers and visionaries once touted the United States as being the magical land where dreams can come true. Work hard and you can move up in the world. The poor can become rich in this country. What has happened to the American dream? Americans of today see the American dream slipping out of their reach. Foreclosures, recession and the economy are just a few of the reasons the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer.

The American dream of two cars in the garage and a home in the suburbs is completely out of reach for America's working poor. Lack of jobs, insufficient or nonexistent health-care and rising prices are challenges Americans face in with the decline in today's economy. No longer are unions a serious force in labor negotiations. Unions that try to obtain better benefits and higher wages for their workers often find their efforts thwarted by companies that pack up and leave the country for cheaper labor rather than increase pay rates for American workers. The middle class of America is shrinking while the number of the working poor is increasing.

The American dream is just that, a dream. It is not a reality for many Americans who struggle everyday to pay their bills, make their monthly mortgage payments and deal with devastating medical bills. Foreclosures have reached crisis proportions in Ohio and other states. Feelings of despair have replaced the once prevalent feelings of hope among middle class Americans. Crime and violence are increasing on our streets and in our schools. The future does look bleak to many younger Americans who, may be forced to accept lower paying service jobs or risk death by joining the military fighting a war in Iraq or Afghanistan if they can't afford to go to college.

America is ready for change. If we are to continue to be a strong presence both economically and politically in the world then we must change. The American dream is open to everyone who has a good job that pays decent wages. When the economy is in a recession that dream ceases to be within the grasp of many Americans.

Learn more about this author, Danette M. Scott.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Is the American dream open to everyone?
We want to hear your view. Write now!