[cripplecreek]

Actually the American dream was never about amassing great wealth. It's about earning an honest living, buying a home and raising a family while being left alone.

[goalinestan]

"Actually the American dream was never about amassing great wealth. It's about earning an honest living, buying a home and raising a family while being left alone."

Well put! (Especially the left alone part)

[Crispus Attucks Patriot]

"Actually the American dream was never about amassing great wealth"


No, but the possibility, (and thought!), of wealth is a nice one, hehehe.

[virginiaspook]

"Actually the American dream was never about amassing great wealth. It's about earning an honest living, buying a home and raising a family while being left alone."

Perfectly stated!

[libertarianPA]

Exactly! Immigrants have been coming here in droves for the past century BECAUSE this is the greatest opportunity to move up. Even if they don't reach the status of a millionaire, they're going to be in a better situation than they were in they're country of origin.

This study is the biggest farce I've ever seen. It never analyzes the fact that children raised by poor people often learn habits that will continue the cycle of poverty. The point is the OPPORTUNITY is there for them to do BETTER - but they have to put forth the effort.

Did this study measure the steps taken by these people to improve their situation??? How do we know much of these people didn't just sit around and b*tch about how poor they are and how "the man" is keeping them down???

[sarasmom]

#8
The only thing stopping me from amassing great wealth is...myself.
As the result of my own free choices, I did not start my own business, invest in risky ventures, nor do I live to work.
I work to live.
I do not begrudge those who have legally and honestly amassed great wealth their "good fortune".
They also had choices to make, and freely made them.
They worked, planned, and achieved what they desired.
I wish them every happiness, but do not envy them.
Why would I?
I personally know a number of wealthy people.
They earned every penny, and willingly took risks and worked longer,harder and smarter than I would.
They made some choices/sacrifices I would not, but nothing stops me from making similar choices,except myself.
I can change my circumstances at any time.
As a matter of fact, I appear to make a habit of doing so, but generally under my terms and conditions.
Some people equate wealth with happiness, and if they find it there, God bless them.
I will continue to freely pursue my own definition of happiness,in my own way.
I would not eschew great wealth, but since I have no burning desire to acquire it, nor will I expend the necessary effort, it seems logical to me that I will never attain it.
Absent winning the LOTTO, or having a sudden flash of brilliant inspiration for a new invention....LOL

[spetznaz]

Actually the American dream was never about amassing great wealth. It's about earning an honest living, buying a home and raising a family while being left alone.

Bingo! That is what I always tell my friends. The American Dream is not necessarily driving a Ferrari Enzo and owning a 250 foot super-Yacht (although that is indeed part of the American Dream), but being able to earn a good living, raise a family, and own your own home. In which case America is indeed the land of opportunity (and why many people stream here).

Now, it is possible for people with the will to power and drive to really accumulate tremendous wealth here, but such people can accumulate wealth anywhere (although the amount of wealth will vary with location, but the 'right person' will get rich anywhere ....I know).

However in the United States it is possible for nigh anyone to live the American Dream (good living/own home/etc ….not necessarily 10 Ferraris), which is not the case everywhere. For that matter I have traveled a lot, and I always tell my pals that the US is one of very few places that has a solid middleclass that is truly a middleclass (and not some lose agglomeration of ‘upper poor’ and ‘lower rich’). The existence of a true and large middleclass is one of the things that mark the United States as truly unique in the world.

[RipSawyer]

Actually the American dream was never about amassing great wealth. It's about earning an honest living, buying a home and raising a family while being left alone.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Two out of three ain't bad but I think you can forget about that last one. Being left alone is the impossible dream these days.